By Dr. Edris Omondi esq

Last Thursday, Parliament received and positively considered a public petition by the Association of Pentecostal Vocational Training Institutions of Kenya (APVOTIK) proposing a new framework for theological education and ministerial formation in Kenya.

The proposal has now moved to the next constitutional stage being public participation; where citizens and faith communities will have the opportunity to shape its final form.

At a time when national conversations around religion are often framed in terms of state control, it is important to clarify a fundamental point: this initiative is not about government regulation of faith. Rather, it is about strengthening self-regulation within the religious sector.

Kenya’s Constitution is clear on matters of faith.

Article 8 affirms that the country has no state religion, while Article 32 guarantees freedom of conscience, belief, and worship. Any attempt by the State to control doctrine or spiritual practice would run contrary to these protections. The framework currently before Parliament respects these constitutional boundaries.

Instead of regulating religion itself, the proposal focuses on the quality and integrity of theological education–the training systems that prepare ministers, pastors, priests, and other religious leaders.

Across Kenya, hundreds of theological training institutions operate within different denominations and traditions. Many have faithfully served their communities for decades, yet their programs often lack standardized academic recognition within the national qualifications’ framework. This creates challenges for graduates seeking professional recognition and for institutions seeking consistent academic standards.

The proposed framework seeks to address this gap by establishing a faith-led, self-regulatory structure for theological education. Under this model, religious communities would take primary responsibility for setting training standards, accrediting institutions, and promoting ethical leadership within their own traditions.

Importantly, this is not a state-controlled commission dictating religious practice.

It is a collaborative structure in which recognized umbrella faith bodies; play a central role in guiding standards and accountability within the sector.

This approach reflects a simple but powerful principle: faith communities are best positioned to regulate their own theological training while working within the broader national education framework. This is constitutionalism, an upstream model that – Crime Prevention Initiative Trust (CPIT) stands for.

The benefits of such a system are significant. It would strengthen academic credibility for theological institutions, create pathways for recognition of prior learning among experienced ministers, and enhance ethical standards for those entering religious leadership. For communities, it would build confidence that spiritual leaders are trained within accountable and credible institutions.

Equally important, a self-regulatory model protects religious freedom while promoting public trust. Rather than imposing control from the outside, it empowers faith communities to uphold their own standards of responsibility and integrity.

The next stage, being public participation, is therefore crucial.

Parliament will now open its doors for citizens, religious leaders, educators, and community members to contribute their views on the proposed framework. This process ensures that the final legislation reflects the diversity of Kenya’s religious landscape while remaining faithful to constitutional principles.

Public participation is not merely a procedural step; it is an opportunity for the faith sector and the wider public to help shape a system that strengthens both freedom of worship and responsible leadership.

In the end, the goal is straightforward: to support credible theological education, encourage ethical ministry, and reinforce the public trust placed in religious institutions across the country.

This indeed is important, considering the times we are in.

A self-regulating framework offers a balanced path forward, one that preserves constitutional freedoms while enabling faith communities to lead in maintaining their own standards. As the conversation continues, the voices of Kenyans will play a decisive role in determining how this vision is realized, and perhaps, this was the missing link that was to sharpen the stalled religious organization bill too.

By Hope Barbra

Kisumu City has moved to put in place structures for flood preparedness during this rainy season and has put the disaster department at both the City and County levels on high alert.

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o said the government has received flood warnings and expects floods in Nyamasaria, Kapuothe, Dunga and Migosi areas.

He said a crisis meeting with Red Cross officials and officers from the city and county departments of disaster management will be held on Monday to mitigate possible flooding in the area and to mobilize resources for any eventuality.

“The Nairobi flooding was a wake-up call to all of us and that is why we are reviewing and enhancing the disaster response structures we had put in place. We want to avoid such destruction as was witnessed in Nairobi,” he said.

Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga said 80 percent of the city was free from flooding and there was no cause for alarm.

“In Kapuothe, the works have not been completed and with River Nyamasaria, Alewra and Wigwa almost breaking their banks, we are likely to have floods in the area,” he said.

He said the city disaster department was on high alert and ready to evacuate those affected by floods to safer and higher areas.

“We have and are still mobilizing resources to respond to floods and to ensure the victims are not left to suffer. We are mobilizing medical supplies and other assorted foodstuffs and requirements,” he said.

Kenya Red Cross has issued urgent guidelines for residents in flood-prone areas, saying that even shallow moving water is dangerous: six inches can knock an adult off their feet, and one foot of fast-flowing water can sweep away a vehicle.

Residents are advised to evacuate to higher ground, switch off electricity in inundated homes, avoid driving near rivers, and never cross flooded bridges.

Additional precautions include using a stick to test water depth, avoiding downed power lines, and refraining from walking through electrified or muddy water.

Authorities and communities are urged to remain vigilant, follow official updates, and use the toll-free emergency line 1199 for assistance.

By Anderson Ojwang

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations over alleged senior officers at Maseno University with fake academic papers.

The Commission is also investigating incidences of nepotism which are rampant at the institution.

Central Nyanza EACC Director Abraham Kemboi said they are investigating some senior officers holding key positions on account of fake academic documents.

“We are investigating senior officials who hold key positions on account of fake academic documents.
An institution of higher learning employing officers who have fake academic documents is a serious matter,” he said.

Kemboi said they are processing the suspects and appropriate action will be taken soon and they could possibly be charged in court.

Our investigations revealed one of the suspected senior officials at the university resigned recently to avoid being arrested by the EACC.

The senior officer must have been advised by some quarters to resign to evade arrest.

The senior officer is said to have scored Grade D+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and the university could not establish how the officer secured a doctorate.

Sources at the university revealed that the officer was being protected by a senior administrator at the institution and was untouchable even after questions were raised on the competence and performance in the sensitive department.

Maseno University Council Chairman Prof Omolo Ongati said there were allegations of some officers with fake academic documents holding key positions.

“We heard of an incident where an officer holding a key position was alleged to have fake academic documents. The officer has resigned and we will investigate if we have similar cases,” he said.

Kemboi said cases of nepotism in employment were rampant at the institution and they have launched investigations.

Sources at the university claimed employment opportunities were being distributed and shared among families and friends, leaving out deserving cases.

Kemboi said they have also launched investigations at Kaimosi Friends University over overpricing of a tuition block.

“We are investigating the university over a tuition block which they overpriced. We will take remedial action. These institutions should do what is expected of them,” he said.