Kenya considers new education bills for teacher training and exam security

New legislative proposals in Kenya aim to restructure teacher training and regulate industrial action during national assessments.

The Pre-Service Education and In-Service Training Bill, 2026, proposes the establishment of the Kenya School of Education (KSE). This institution would be responsible for developing and conducting in-service training programs for teachers, education managers, and school leaders. Under this framework, teachers undergoing training would sit examinations to earn certificates or diplomas, making continuous professional development a structured requirement for the profession.

Simultaneously, the Kenya National Educational Assessments Council Bill, 2026, seeks to limit the right to strike for personnel involved in national examinations. Presented by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, the bill stipulates that individuals managing, organizing, or administering national assessments may be restricted from striking if such action would compromise the integrity, security, or orderly conduct of the assessment process. The restriction would specifically target those directly involved in examination duties, such as invigilators and examiners, rather than imposing a blanket ban on all teachers.