Senate wants governors to manage schools

Senate is now backing governors on their push to manage basic education.

It is in the process of coming up with an education policy, which will enable county chiefs manage infrastructure of primary and secondary schools.

The move is likely to face resistance from the Government, as it will mean more resources going to counties as opposed to remaining in Nairobi. Governors petitioned Senate over the poor state of schools in the counties.

The Senate Committee on Devolved Governments, however, remained optimistic that the policy will improve the quality of education.

“If need be, we shall even go further and come up with a legislation to fast track the process. Counties have petitioned the Senate on this matter, especially marginalised areas,” said committee chairman Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet).

Mr Murkomen said he sponsored a motion on this matter.

"Since counties have also expressed concern on the lapse by the national government, we will push for the House’s adoption of the policy to provide a legal framework that will outrightly involve counties in education,” he said.

Murkomen said Senate might amend the Intergovernmental Relations Act, to provide a framework on how the two levels of government can transfer functions.

Committee vice chairperson Naisuda Lesuuda (nominated) stressed that counties must be involved in the management of education in primary and secondary schools to ensure high standards are attained and maintained.