APVOTIK Petitions Parliament to Establish Regulatory Body for Theological Education

 The Association of Pentecostal Vocational Training Institutions of Kenya (APVOTIK) has petitioned the National Assembly of Kenya to enact legislation creating a regulatory body to oversee theological education within the Evangelical, Pentecostal, and Charismatic church community in the country.

The proposal was presented Thursday before the National Assembly Public Petitions Committee during a meeting held at the Parliament Buildings.

APVOTIK, an umbrella organization representing more than 200 churches and theological training institutions, raised concerns about the rapid growth of theological colleges, Bible schools, and online ministry training platforms in recent years. While the expansion has improved access to theological education, the association warned it has also created major challenges related to quality assurance and standardization.

“Without a structured system of oversight, the church industry risks long-term degradation of ministerial integrity, academic excellence, and spiritual authority,” said APVOTIK Chairperson Joshua Njue Wajoshua while presenting the petition.

According to the association, the absence of a formal regulatory framework has led to inconsistencies in curriculum standards, questionable accreditation of institutions, and the emergence of so-called diploma mills issuing unverified theological qualifications.

APVOTIK patron Benard Namusasi told the committee that previous proposals aimed at addressing theological training gaps have not sufficiently tackled the key issue of qualifications and standards.

He added that current education laws and regulatory structures largely focus on secular academic programs and do not adequately address the unique nature of theological training provided by faith-based institutions.

Committee Chair Muchangi Karemba welcomed the petition, noting the importance of maintaining standards among institutions responsible for training religious leaders.

“The Committee appreciates the concerns raised in this petition. Institutions that train spiritual leaders carry a significant responsibility in society, and it is important that appropriate standards and safeguards are in place,” he said.

However, members of the committee raised questions about the petition’s focus on Evangelical, Pentecostal, and Charismatic institutions while excluding other religious traditions.

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi cautioned that the proposal may have limited impact if it does not incorporate broader religious representation.

“As noble as these attempts may be, they may be of no consequence if all other religious doctrines are not enjoined in this push for regulation,” she said.

The committee is expected to consult additional stakeholders before submitting its recommendations to the National Assembly of Kenya on whether legislation should be introduced to regulate theological education in the country.