In a powerful address that reverberated across the hallowed chambers of Kenya’s Parliament on the morning of August 13, 2025, Isiolo County MP Mumina Bonaya emerged as a formidable voice for educational reform, exposing a critical crisis plaguing Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in her constituency.
With unwavering resolve, Bonaya spotlighted systemic failures in the Ministry of Education’s registration processes, accusing the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) of being a bureaucratic bottleneck that denies schools vital funding and stalls their operational legitimacy for months.
Her impassioned plea not only galvanized fellow MPs but also prompted the Speaker to summon the Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) to address these pressing concerns, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya’s ongoing quest for equitable education.
A Crisis Laid Bare
Bonaya’s address was a clarion call, rooted in the struggles of Isiolo’s educational institutions. She detailed how the
Ministry’s overreliance on NEMIS—a digital platform intended to streamline school data management—has instead become a barrier to progress. Schools in Isiolo, she argued, are caught in a vicious cycle of delayed registrations, which in turn blocks access to critical capitation funds.
These funds are essential for hiring teachers, procuring learning materials, and maintaining school infrastructure, particularly for the newly established Junior Secondary Schools under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“The Ministry of Education is using NEMIS to deny funding to schools and delay registration of schools in my County,” Bonaya declared on the parliamentary floor.
Her words painted a stark picture of schools languishing in limbo, unable to fully operationalize due to administrative inefficiencies.
The ripple effects are profound: students face disrupted learning, teachers are overburdened, and parents grow increasingly frustrated with a system that seems to prioritize red tape over education.
A National Echo
Bonaya’s concerns were far from isolated. As she laid bare the challenges in Isiolo, a chorus of MPs from across the country rose in solidarity, revealing that the crisis extends beyond her constituency.
From rural outposts to urban centers, legislators shared similar tales of schools hamstrung by NEMIS-related delays. This groundswell of support underscored a nationwide issue, transforming Bonaya’s localized grievance into a national call for accountability.
The collective outcry prompted immediate action from the Speaker, who issued a directive compelling the Education CS to appear before the House.
The CS is now tasked with providing a comprehensive explanation for the registration delays and outlining concrete steps to resolve the crisis.
This ruling is a testament to Bonaya’s ability to catalyze parliamentary action, positioning her as a key figure in the fight for educational equity.
Bonaya’s Social Media Amplification
Following her parliamentary address, Bonaya took to social media to amplify her message, ensuring that the issue reached a broader audience.
In a statement posted on her official accounts, she reiterated her concerns, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
“This morning, on the floor of the house, while receiving a response from the chairman of the Education Committee on delays in registration of Junior Secondary Schools in my County, I highlighted how the Ministry of Education is using NEMIS to deny funding to schools and delay registration of schools in my County,” she wrote.
Her post went further, noting the widespread resonance of her concerns: “This matter attracted the attention of the house, where every member shared similar challenges in their counties.”
Bonaya’s hashtags—#MasomoKwanza (Education First) and #KaziBilaBreak (Work Without Break)—encapsulated her commitment to prioritizing education and her relentless pursuit of solutions.
The hashtags quickly gained traction online, sparking conversations among netizens, educators, and parents who voiced their frustrations and rallied behind her cause.
The Broader Implications
The crisis Bonaya has brought to light is emblematic of deeper systemic issues within Kenya’s education sector.
The transition to the CBC, which introduced Junior Secondary Schools, has been fraught with challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and funding delays.
NEMIS, designed to enhance transparency and efficiency, has instead been criticized for its user-unfriendly interface, inconsistent data updates, and accessibility issues, particularly in remote areas like Isiolo with limited internet connectivity.
For schools in Isiolo, a county already grappling with socio-economic challenges, these delays exacerbate existing inequalities. Without timely registration and funding, schools struggle to provide quality education, risking the future of thousands of students.
Bonaya’s advocacy highlights the need for a more inclusive and responsive education system, one that addresses the unique challenges faced by marginalized regions.
Who is Mumina Bonaya?
Mumina Bonaya, the MP for Isiolo County, has emerged as a dynamic and principled leader in Kenyan politics.
Known for her grassroots approach and unwavering dedication to her constituents, Bonaya has consistently championed issues affecting marginalized communities, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Her parliamentary address on the JSS crisis is the latest in a series of bold moves to hold government institutions accountable and advocate for systemic change.
Bonaya’s ability to rally bipartisan support in Parliament underscores her growing influence. Her social media presence, marked by direct and relatable communication, has further endeared her to Kenyans who see her as a voice for the voiceless.
By framing the school registration crisis as a national issue, she has positioned herself as a key player in shaping Kenya’s educational policy landscape.
The Road Ahead
The Speaker’s directive for the Education CS to appear before Parliament sets the stage for a critical reckoning.
The CS will need to address not only the technical glitches in NEMIS but also the broader policy failures that have left schools in limbo.
Stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers’ unions, and parents, will be watching closely to see whether the Ministry can deliver tangible solutions.
For Bonaya, this is just the beginning. Her advocacy has sparked a national conversation, but she remains focused on ensuring that promises translate into action.
“Education is the foundation of our nation’s future,” she stated in her social media post. “We cannot afford to let bureaucratic inefficiencies rob our children of their right to learn.”
A Call to Action
As the Education CS prepares to face Parliament, Bonaya’s efforts have ignited hope that long-overdue reforms may be on the horizon.
Her leadership serves as a reminder of the power of elected officials to drive change when they prioritize the needs of their constituents. For now, the nation waits to see whether the Ministry will rise to the occasion or if Bonaya will need to escalate her fight for #MasomoKwanza.
For more updates on this developing story, follow Mumina Bonaya’s official social media channels or visit the Ministry of Education’s website for statements on the JSS registration process.
If you’re a parent, educator, or concerned citizen, join the conversation using #MasomoKwanza and demand accountability for Kenya’s education system.
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