Why schools could soon be forced to teach self-defence to learners

 

 

Schools may soon be required to teach self-defence classes under a proposed law if approved by Members of Parliament.

A new proposal before parliament seeks to make self-defence training compulsory in schools by introducing mandatory personal safety lessons and a sweeping new subject known as nationhood science.

The Education Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Caroli Omondi, was officially received by the National Assembly on February 13.

It seeks to amend several laws to entrench the subject across the education system, including the Universities Act, the Basic Education Act, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act.

If enacted, the law would see pupils from early childhood centres to universities undertake structured training in personal safety, discipline, patriotism and resilience.

Under the proposed changes to amend the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development(KICD) Act, schools would be required to introduce age-appropriate self-defence lessons, engage qualified instructors or trained teachers and incorporate personal safety, situational awareness and response strategies into learning.

The move comes amid rising concerns over insecurity, gender-based violence and dangers facing learners both within and outside school environments.

But that’s not all, the bill proposes the introduction of “nationhood science”, a new subject aimed at shaping values, patriotism and citizenship across all levels of education.

The proposal defines nationhood science as a programme of instruction designed to cultivate national values, outlined under Article 10 of the Constitution, including patriotism, unity, integrity, innovation, entrepreneurship and civic responsibility.

Under the Basic Education Act, early childhood and lower primary education will be taught in a language of their choice where practicable.

This means that schools can teach using the ethnic language where applicable.

The bill also outlaws corporal punishment, torture and any cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in schools. 

It further prohibits gender-based discrimination and violence.

The Bill proposes nurturing independent thinking, discipline, skills for reconstruction and development, and the capacity for informed decision-making among learners

Under proposed amendments to the Universities Act, nationhood science would formally become part of university instruction.

This would make universities responsible for embedding national values, innovation and citizenship training into academic programmes and institutional culture.

If implemented, university students would be required to undertake learning that promotes national ethos, ethical leadership and civic duty alongside their professional courses.

The bill also proposes major changes to the Basic Education Act to integrate nationhood science across early childhood, primary and secondary education.

This means all schools will incorporate teaching that promotes national values, innovation, entrepreneurship and responsibilities of citizenship.

The bill further seeks to amend the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act to integrate nationhood science in technical institutions.

TVET institutions would be required to incorporate teaching and learning of national values, citizenship responsibilities and innovation within vocational training programmes.

“The intention is to transform Kenya into a society with a national ethos infused with the spirit of oneness, honesty and integrity,” the memorandum states.

It argues that innovation, entrepreneurship and civic responsibilities such as paying taxes and contributing to national development form part of nationhood science.

The bill acknowledges that its implementation will require additional public funds.

The memorandum states that the proposed changes will lead to increased government expenditure, particularly in curriculum development, teacher training and implementation of new programmes.