Education Committee reviews legislative proposal seeking to entrench national values, innovation and entrepreneurship in schools

Education Committee reviews legislative proposal seeking to entrench national values, innovation and entrepreneurship in schools 

Parliament Buildings
Tuesday, April 22nd 2025

Members of the National Assembly Education Committee have reviewed a proposed law that seeks to embed national values, innovation and entrepreneurship across the entire education system, from early childhood to universities.

The proposed Education Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Hon. Caroli Omondi seeks to amend the Universities Act, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, the Basic Education Act, and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Act to actualize Article 10 of the Constitution.

Article 10 outlines national values such as patriotism, national unity, human dignity, equity, inclusiveness, good governance, integrity and sustainable development—principles that all state organs, officers and institutions are required to uphold.

“Nationalhood science means we want to inculcate what the framers of the Constitution envisioned—from the early years of education to tertiary institutions,” said Hon. Omondi during the meeting. “Joblessness will only be cured if we instil entrepreneurial skills from a young age. We must change the mindset.”

Hon. Omondi explained that the implementation of the proposed amendments is projected to cost KShs 320 million over three years, as analysed by the Budget and Appropriations Committee. 

The Bill also proposes the introduction of a standalone subject titled “Nationalhood Science”, which would cover innovation, entrepreneurship, civic duties, and anti-corruption education.

Committee Members welcomed the proposals but raised important questions on feasibility, integration with existing curricula, and teacher preparedness.

“What you are proposing is very good, but what are the gaps in the existing law?” said Hon. Mary Emaase. “When you speak of innovation and entrepreneurship—that is what CBC seeks to do by nurturing talents.”

Speaking on the budget implications of the Darcy Bill, Hon. Peter Orero added, “Are we going to have formative or summative assessments for this subject? What’s the cost implication? Are we going to retool and reskill our teachers?”

Hon. Rebecca Tonkei acknowledged the Bill’s progressive nature but noted, “In universities, elements of what your amendment seeks to do are already being offered.”

Hon. Clive Gesiaro called for the values education to go beyond schools, “All civil servants and those in public service should take a six-month course. Corruption happens after school, at the point of employment.”

“These are values we must live and hold dear,” Hon. Omondi reiterated. “I believe this has to start young.”

Hon. Jerusha Momanyi questioned the preparedness of those who will be expected to teach the new subject, particularly in the service industry, while Hon. Emaase concluded, “This Bill is intended for the future.”

Members of the Education Committee noted that the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), CBC already incorporates aspects of values and life skills, but implementation has faced challenges including teacher capacity and resource constraints.

If passed, the Bill could change the national education policy by enshrining civic responsibility and entrepreneurship in a structured and measurable way.