Major Blow to Theology Colleges as Parliament Issues 90-Day Ultimatum.
The National Assembly Committee on Public Petitions has directed all theology colleges operating in Kenya to regularise their operations within 90 days or face closure and other legal consequences for non-compliance.
The directive was issued following the committee’s deliberations held on 15 July, chaired by Vihiga Member of Parliament Ernest Kavai, amid growing concerns over the increasing number of theological institutions operating outside the regulatory framework of the Ministry of Education.
According to the committee, institutions that fail to comply with the Ministry of Education’s registration requirements, operational standards, and other prescribed regulations within the stipulated period will be liable to enforcement action, including closure.
The committee indicated that the directive follows reports of a rapid increase in theology colleges operating without meeting the standards required by the Ministry of Education. Lawmakers noted that inadequate regulation had allowed several institutions to continue offering programmes without fulfilling minimum academic and institutional requirements.
The matter was brought before the committee through a petition submitted by Reverend Josiah WaJoshuah, Chairman of the Association of Pentecostal Vocal Training Institutions of Kenya, who raised concerns over the proliferation of substandard theological institutions across the country.
During its review of the petition, the committee observed that weak regulatory oversight had exposed thousands of learners to the risk of obtaining qualifications from institutions that do not meet the required standards.
Members of the committee further noted that some theology colleges reportedly operate without qualified lecturers, approved curricula, adequate learning facilities, or proper governance structures, raising concerns over the quality and credibility of the education being offered.
As part of its resolutions, the committee directed the Ministry of Education to undertake a comprehensive verification exercise covering theology colleges operating in the country. The verification process will include confirmation of each institution’s registration status, assessment of compliance with the applicable standards, and enforcement action against institutions that fail to meet the requirements within the 90-day period.
The committee also called for strengthened inspection and monitoring mechanisms to prevent the establishment of unregistered theological institutions and to enhance oversight of existing colleges. The recommendations are intended to improve regulatory compliance and prevent the emergence of institutions operating outside the legal framework.
The committee noted that theological education in Kenya is primarily offered through specialised universities and seminaries rather than standalone colleges. Kenya has six chartered universities that offer theology and related degree programmes, namely:
- Africa International University
- Scott Christian University
- St. Paul’s University
- Tangaza University
- Pan Africa Christian University
- Kenya Highlands University
Accreditation of university programmes is undertaken by the Commission for University Education (CUE), while the Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA) accredits numerous seminaries and theological training institutions across the country.
Among the institutions offering accredited diploma programmes are:
- Moffat Bible College, Kijabe
- Kenya Baptist Theological College, Limuru
The committee’s directive follows recent regulatory enforcement measures undertaken within Kenya’s technical and vocational education sector.
Earlier, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) launched a nationwide enforcement exercise targeting unregistered training institutions, unaccredited academic programmes, and unlicensed trainers.
The enforcement exercise also involved the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), where certificates issued after 2018 became the subject of an accreditation dispute. Although regulatory action had been initiated, court orders temporarily halted the closure of the institution.
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The Ministry of Education also directed legal action against unlicensed trainers, while joint enforcement teams conducted compliance operations that resulted in the closure of non-compliant institutions in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos counties.
TVETA has maintained that certificates issued through unaccredited programmes do not have regulatory recognition and has directed institutions, including driving schools, to cease offering unauthorised technical and vocational training programmes.
Major Blow to Theology Colleges as Parliament Issues 90-Day Ultimatum.
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