The Ruto administration has approved sweeping reforms in Kenya’s education sector, including the merger of several major agencies into a single authority.
During a Cabinet meeting at State House on Tuesday, February 10, President William Ruto endorsed the consolidation of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), the TVET Funding Board, and the Universities Fund.
The move is designed to streamline governance, funding, student placement, and career guidance across tertiary and technical institutions.
Officials say it will simplify access to scholarships, loans, and training opportunities, while reducing duplication and inefficiencies.
“These reforms will align Kenya’s education sector with the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework,” said a government source. “They also clarify roles for teacher training, assessments, and curriculum development.”
At the tertiary level, the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, 2024, will formalize this merger, improving coordination across universities and technical institutions.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (Amendment) Bill, 2024, will streamline qualification standards and clarify the Kenya National Qualifications Authority’s role.
Basic education is also being overhauled. The Basic Education Bill, 2024, aims to strengthen quality assurance, enhance governance, and ensure bursaries and scholarships are administered efficiently.
Other measures include the Kenya National Educational Assessments Bill, 2025, which replaces traditional exams with competency-based assessments.
Teacher training is set for reform through the Pre-Service and In-Service Training in Basic Education Bill, 2025, while a new Education Administrative Tribunal will provide an efficient way to resolve disputes.
The Cabinet also approved Phase III of the Kenya-China Project, which will equip 70 technical and vocational colleges with modern equipment.
Over 1,100 instructors will receive training in eight priority disciplines, boosting industry-relevant skills and supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals.
These reforms mark the most significant transformation in Kenya’s education system in recent years, aiming to create a more efficient, skills-focused, and future-ready sector.
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