APBET Schools Gain from License Reforms

Adopt A School Foundation has taken a significant step in supporting the Alternate Provision of Basic Education & Training – Complimentary Schools Association of Kenya (APBET-CSAK) by initiating a review process for trade license payments for APBET schools. This initiative aimed to streamline the financial obligations of these schools and make them more manageable.

To achieve this, Adopt A School Foundation sought the collaboration of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI). Recognizing the importance of this cause, KNCCI engaged with Nairobi City County and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to implement new short codes for APBET trade licenses. This concerted effort aimed to categorize and simplify the licensing process for schools, ensuring that fees were fair and reflective of the schools’ capacities.

The lobbying efforts by Adopt A School Foundation on behalf of APBET-CSAK, a bonafide member of KNCCI, were successful. Nairobi City County adopted the new short codes, which effectively split the trade license fees into three distinct bands. These bands are based on the learner population of the schools, ensuring that smaller schools are not disproportionately burdened by the costs.

Here’s how the new fee structure works:

Complimentary Schools with fewer than 250 learners will now pay Kenya Shillings 8,000.

Schools with 251 to 350 learners will pay Kenya Shillings 10,000.

Schools with more than 350 learners will pay Kenya Shillings 15,000.

This new structure is a significant improvement, providing a more equitable system that considers the size and financial capacity of the schools. Smaller schools, which often struggle with limited resources, will particularly benefit from the reduced fees, allowing them to allocate more funds directly towards enhancing educational outcomes for their students.

The adoption of these new short codes marks a major achievement for APBET Schools and demonstrates the power of effective advocacy and collaboration. By working together with KNCCI, Nairobi City County, and KRA, Adopt A School Foundation has not only simplified the trade license payment process but also provided much-needed financial relief to complimentary schools operating in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

This initiative highlights the importance of supporting educational institutions that serve vulnerable populations. By reducing administrative and financial burdens, schools can focus more on their primary mission: providing quality education to their Learners. The new trade license bands are a step in the right direction, ensuring a fairer, more supportive environment for all APBET schools.

As we move forward, it is essential to continue such collaborative efforts to address the challenges faced by educational institutions in informal settlements. The success of this initiative sets a positive precedent for future advocacy and reforms, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable education system in Kenya.