Informal Schools Set for Govt Funding as MPs Pass Basic Education Bill

NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 26 – Members of the National Assembly have passed the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025, paving the way for the formal recognition of Alternative Provision for Basic Education and Training (APBET) institutions and potentially opening access to public funding for thousands of learners in informal schools.The Bill, sponsored by Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, seeks to bring APBET institutions into Kenya’s basic education framework and address gaps affecting children who rely on non-formal schools, particularly in informal settlements and marginalised communities.Moving the Bill during Second Reading, Oluoch said the proposed reforms would strengthen the implementation of constitutional guarantees on equality, human dignity and the right to education under Articles 10, 27, 43 and 53 of the Constitution.Kibra MP Peter Orero said APBET institutions play a major role in educating children in informal settlements, where their numbers far exceed those of public schools.“In Kibra, there are about 300 of these schools, while public primary schools are only 11. Many students therefore end up in APBET schools,” Orero said.He urged Parliament to support the legislation, saying formal recognition would enable children in informal settlements to benefit from government support.“This is an opportunity to ensure that children in informal settlements can access edu...