Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act

LAWS OF KENYA
THE KENYA NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO ACT
CAP. 215
Revised and published by the National Council for Law Reporting
with the authority of the Attorney-General as gazetted by the Government Printer
www.kenyalaw.org

Kenya
Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act
Cap. 215
Legislation as at 31 December 2022
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Share widely and freely.

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215)
Contents
Part I – PRELIMINARY ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Short title .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Interpretation ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Part II – ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION ................................................................................................ 1
3. Establishment of the Commission ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
4.

................................................................................................................................................. 1
4.

Functions of the Commission .............................................................................................................................................................. 2
5. Powers of the Commission ................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Part III – THE BOARD OF THE COMMISSION ........................................................................................................................................... 3
6. Establishment of the Board ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
7. Qualifications for appointment ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
8. Procedure of appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Board ....................................................................... 4
9.

3
8. Procedure of appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Board ....................................................................... 4
9.

Vacancy in office ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
10. Filling of vacancy .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
11. Term of office of Board members .................................................................................................................................................... 5
12. General powers of the Board ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
13. Committees of the Board ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
14. Delegation by Board ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
15.

................................................................................................................................................ 5
15.

Procedures of the Board ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
16. Decisions of the Board ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
17. Secretary-General of the Commission ............................................................................................................................................ 6
18. Term of office of the Secretary-General ........................................................................................................................................ 6
19. Removal of Secretary-General .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Part IV – SECRETARIAT AND STAFF OF THE COMMISSION ................................................................................................................ 7
20.

IAT AND STAFF OF THE COMMISSION ................................................................................................................ 7
20.

Secretariat of the Commission ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
21. Deputy Secretary-General ................................................................................................................................................................... 7
22. Other staff of the Commission ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
23. Consultants ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
24. Remuneration of Consultants ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
25. Establishment of Kenya Permanent Delegation to UNESCO ................................................................................................. 7
26.

shment of Kenya Permanent Delegation to UNESCO ................................................................................................. 7
26.

Head of Permanent Delegation to UNESCO ................................................................................................................................ 7
27. Appointment of staff to the Kenya UNESCO office ................................................................................................................... 8
28. [Deleted by Act No. 18 of 2014, Sch.] ........................................................................................................................................... 8
29. [Deleted by Act No. 18 of 2014, Sch.] ........................................................................................................................................... 8
30. [Deleted by Act No. 18 of 2014, Sch.] ........................................................................................................................................... 8

4, Sch.] ........................................................................................................................................... 8

Part V – COMMISSION PROGRAMMES AND EXPERT COMMITTEES ................................................................................................. 8
31. Constitution of Commission Programmes and Expert Committees ..................................................................................... 8
32. Composition and functions of the Education Committee ....................................................................................................... 8
33. Composition and functions of the Natural Science Committee ........................................................................................... 9
34. Composition and functions of the Social and Human Science Committee .................................................................... 10
35. Composition and functions of the Culture Committee ......................................................................................................... 11
36. Composition and functions of the Communication and Information Committee ........................................................ 11
37.

...... 11
36. Composition and functions of the Communication and Information Committee ........................................................ 11
37.

Remuneration of Programme and Expert Committee Members ......................................................................................... 12
Part VI – FINANCIAL PROVISIONS .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
38. Funds of the Commission. ............................................................................................................................................................... 12
39. Financial year ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
40. Annual estimates ................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
41. Books of accounts and audit ..........................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................

13
Part VII – GENERAL PROVISIONS ................................................................................................................................................................ 13
42. Common seal ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
43. Remuneration ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
44. Appointment of staff ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13
45. Protection from personal liability ................................................................................................................................................. 14
46. Regulations ............................................................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................

14
Part VIII – TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 14
FIRST SCHEDULE [s. 6(1)(g)] ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
SECOND SCHEDULE [s. 15(1)] ....................................................................................................................................................................... 14

................................................................................................................................................... 14

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
KENYA NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO ACT
CAP. 215
Published in Kenya Gazette Vol. CXV—No. 22 on 15 February 2013
Assented to on 14 January 2013
Commenced on 25 January 2013
[Amended by Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2014 (Act No. 18 of 2014) on 8 December 2014]
[Revised by 24th Annual Supplement (Legal Notice 221 of 2023) on 31 December 2022]
An Act of Parliament to establish the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO and for connected
purposes
Part I – PRELIMINARY
1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act. 2.

on for UNESCO and for connected
purposes
Part I – PRELIMINARY
1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act. 2.

Interpretation
(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
“Board” means the Board of the Commission established under section 6;
“Cabinet Secretary” means the Cabinet Secretary for the time being responsible for matters relating
to education and training;
“Commission” means the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO established under section 3;
“Expert” means a professional with specialised competence in any one of the areas of UNESCO
programmes;
“member” means a member of the Board of the Commission;
“Programme” means an area of competence of UNESCO;
“Secretary-General” means the Secretary-General of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO
appointed under section 17;
“staff” means the staff of the Commission;
“UNESCO” means United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation;
“UNESCO Programmes” means the five UNESCO areas of competence and includes Education,
Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture, and Communication and Information. (2) Spent
Part II – ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION
3. Establishment of the Commission
(1) There is established a Commission to be known as the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO. 1

OF THE COMMISSION
3. Establishment of the Commission
(1) There is established a Commission to be known as the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO. 1

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
(2) The Commission shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, and shall
in its corporate name, be capable of—
(a) suing and being sued;
(b) taking, purchasing or otherwise acquiring, borrowing, holding, charging or disposing of
movable and immovable property; and
(c) doing or performing all such other things or acts necessary for the proper performance of its
functions which may lawfully be done by a body corporate. (3) The Commission shall be the successor of the Department of the Kenya National Commission for
UNESCO existing under the Ministry of Education immediately before the commencement of this
Act. (4) The headquarters of the Commission shall be in Nairobi. 4.

isting under the Ministry of Education immediately before the commencement of this
Act. (4) The headquarters of the Commission shall be in Nairobi. 4.

Functions of the Commission
The functions of the Commission shall be to—
(a) ensure permanent presence of UNESCO in Kenya;
(b) involve in UNESCO’s activities the relevant line ministries, departments, agencies, organizations
and individuals dealing in UNESCO’s areas of competence;
(c) implement UNESCO activities and budgeted programs;
(d) disseminate information and innovations on the activities of UNESCO;
(e) foster liaison between UNESCO and State agencies and organs concerned with Education, Science,
Culture, Communication and Information;
(f) collaborate with other national commissions in UNESCO member states, UNESCO headquarters and
field offices;
(g) co-ordinate participation in international meetings on education, science, culture, and
communication and information;
(h) disseminate information on UNESCO prizes and awards to potential candidates and ensure their
participation;
(i) disseminate information on UNESCO fellowships and study grants to potential applicants and
facilitate their participation;
(j) co-ordinate ratification of UNESCO related conventions and protocols;
(k) co-ordinate capacity building in education, science, culture and communication;
(l) participate in the formulation of UNESCO’s programmes and activities;
(m) participate in mobilization of resources for implementation of UNESCO programmes and activities;
and
(n) provide expert advisory service to the government in education, science, culture, and
communication and information.

rogrammes and activities;
and
(n) provide expert advisory service to the government in education, science, culture, and
communication and information.

5. Powers of the Commission
(1) The Commission shall have all powers generally for the performance of its functions under this Act
and any other written law. 2

of the Commission
(1) The Commission shall have all powers generally for the performance of its functions under this Act
and any other written law. 2

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Commission shall have the power to—
(a) receive, keep custody and disseminate intellectual information in UNESCO areas of
competence;
(b) disseminate information on and recommend candidates for UNESCO prizes, awards,
fellowships and study grants;
(c) recommend experts to participate in various international forums;
(d) enter into arrangements with institutions, professional organizations, and individuals
dealing in UNESCO areas of competence within or outside Kenya; and
(e) mobilize and receive funds for programme implementation. Part III – THE BOARD OF THE COMMISSION
6.

reas of competence within or outside Kenya; and
(e) mobilize and receive funds for programme implementation. Part III – THE BOARD OF THE COMMISSION
6.

Establishment of the Board
(1) There shall be a Board of the Commission which shall consist of—
(a) a Chairperson who shall be appointed by the President;
(b) the Principal Secretary responsible for education and training;
(c) the Principal Secretary responsible for culture;
(d) the Principal Secretary responsible for gender, youth, children and social development;
(e) the Principal Secretary responsible for information and technology;
(f) the Principal Secretary to the National Treasury;
(g) three members comprising representatives of the organizations specified in the First
Schedule and appointed by the Cabinet Secretary from amongst three persons nominated by
the organizations. (2) The membership of the Board shall be such as to ensure that not more than two-thirds will be of the
same gender and reflects the regional and ethnic diversity of the people of Kenya. (3) The Secretary-General of the Commission shall be the Secretary to the Board. (4) The members referred to in subsections (1)(b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) may, in writing, designate a senior
officer, not below the level of a Deputy Secretary, to represent them in the Board. 7.

)(b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) may, in writing, designate a senior
officer, not below the level of a Deputy Secretary, to represent them in the Board. 7.

Qualifications for appointment
(1) A person shall be qualified for appointment as the Chairperson or member of the Board if the
person—
(a) in the case of the chairperson, holds a masters degree from a recognized university
and at least ten years experience in matters related to education, science, culture, or
communication and information; and
(b) in the case of a member, except a member referred to under section 6(2)(b), (c), (d), (e) and
(f) holds a degree from a university recognized in Kenya. (2) In addition to the qualifications specified under subsection (1) a member of the Board specified
under section 6(2)(g) shall have experience of at least ten years in matters relating to any of the
following fields—
(a) education;
3

Board specified
under section 6(2)(g) shall have experience of at least ten years in matters relating to any of the
following fields—
(a) education;
3

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
(b) science, technology and innovation;
(c) economics or finance;
(d) culture;
(e) communication and information;
(f) law;
(g) public administration; or
(h) any other relevant field. (3) A person is disqualified from being appointed as member of the Board if the person—
(a) is a State officer;
(b) is declared to be of unsound mind;
(c) is undischarged bankrupt; or
(d) has been found in accordance with any law to have misused or abused a public office or in
any way to have contravened Chapter Six of the Constitution. 8. Procedure of appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Board
(1) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of the chairperson of the Board, the Cabinet Secretary
shall, within fourteen days of notification of the vacancy, convene a selection panel for purpose of
selecting a suitable person for appointment as chairperson of the Board. (2) The Cabinet Secretary shall forward the names of three persons to the President for the
appointment of one person to be the chairperson of the Board. 9.

e Cabinet Secretary shall forward the names of three persons to the President for the
appointment of one person to be the chairperson of the Board. 9.

Vacancy in office
(1) The office of a member of the Board, other than an ex officio member, shall become vacant—
(a) if the member resigns by giving notice in writing, in the case of the chairperson, to the
President, and in the case of any other member, to the Cabinet Secretary, which notice shall
take effect on the date specified therein, and, where no date is specified, on the date of
receipt of the notice by the President or the Cabinet Secretary;
(b) if the appointment is revoked by the President or Cabinet Secretary;
(c) if the member—
(i) is adjudged bankrupt or enters into a scheme of arrangement for the benefit of his or
her creditors;
(ii) is convicted of an offence by a court of competent jurisdiction and sentenced to
imprisonment for a period exceeding six months without the option of a fine;
(iii) is incapacitated by reason of infirmity of body or mind;
(iv) is absent from three consecutive meetings of the Board without the leave of the
chairperson;
(v) is otherwise unable or unfit to discharge the functions of the Board; or
(vi) dies.

ve meetings of the Board without the leave of the
chairperson;
(v) is otherwise unable or unfit to discharge the functions of the Board; or
(vi) dies.

(2) If the office of the chairperson or a member of the Board becomes vacant under this section,
the President or the Cabinet Secretary, as the case may be, may appoint another person as a
replacement of the person vacating office following the procedures specified in section 8. 4

tary, as the case may be, may appoint another person as a
replacement of the person vacating office following the procedures specified in section 8. 4

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
10. Filling of vacancy
In case of a vacancy in the office of the chairperson or a member of the Board, the Cabinet Secretary shall
—
(a) in the case of the chairperson, forward three names of persons qualified for appointment to the
President; and
(b) in the case of a member, appoint a replacement within thirty days. 11. Term of office of Board members
Subject to the provisions of this Act, the chairperson and members of the Board shall hold office for a term
of four years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further and final term. 12.

erson and members of the Board shall hold office for a term
of four years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one further and final term. 12.

General powers of the Board
The Board shall have all the powers necessary for the proper performance of its functions under this Act,
and in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Board shall have power to—
(a) manage, supervise and administer the assets of the Commission in such a manner as best promotes
the purpose for which the Commission is established;
(b) determine the provisions to be made for capital, recurrent expenditure and for reserves of the
Commission;
(c) receive any grants, gifts, donations or endowments on behalf of the Commission and make
legitimate disbursements therefrom;
(d) enter into association with such other bodies or organizations within or outside Kenya as the Board
may consider desirable or appropriate and in furtherance of the purpose for which the Commission
is established;
(e) open a banking account or bank accounts for the funds of the Commission;
(f) constitute working committees for the purpose of the performance of the functions of the
Commission; and
(g) approve all project proposals developed by the Commission. 13.

mmittees for the purpose of the performance of the functions of the
Commission; and
(g) approve all project proposals developed by the Commission. 13.

Committees of the Board
(1) The Commission may appoint committees of the Board—
(a) to inquire into and advise the Board on any matter concerning the functions of the
Commission, as the Board may from time to time refer to the committee; and
(b) to exercise the powers or perform functions of the Commission, as the Board may delegate or
refer to the committee. (2) A committee appointed under subsection (1) shall consist of a chairperson and other persons,
whether members of the Board or not, as the Board may determine. (3) The Board may require a committee appointed under this section to act jointly or in co-operation
with any other committee of the Commission. 14. Delegation by Board
The Board may, by resolution either generally or in any particular case delegate to any committee of the
Board or to any member, officer, employee or agent of the Commission, the exercise of any of the powers
or the performance of any of its functions or duties. 5

to any member, officer, employee or agent of the Commission, the exercise of any of the powers
or the performance of any of its functions or duties. 5

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
15. Procedures of the Board
(1) The business and affairs of the Board shall be conducted in accordance with the Second Schedule. (2) Except as provided in the Second Schedule, the Board may regulate its own procedure. 16. Decisions of the Board
Unless a unanimous decision is reached, a decision on any matter before the Board shall be by a majority
of the votes of the members present and voting, and in the case of an equality of votes, the chairperson or
the person presiding shall have a casting vote. 17. Secretary-General of the Commission
(1) There shall be a Secretary-General of the Commission who shall be appointed by the Cabinet
Secretary in consultation with the Board and on terms and conditions specified in the instrument of
appointment. (2) A person shall be qualified for appointment as a Secretary-General to the Commission if the person
—
(a) is a citizen of Kenya;
(b) holds at least a masters degree from a university recognized in Kenya in UNESCO’s areas of
competence or related field;
(c) has at least ten years experience at management level; and
(d) meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

etence or related field;
(c) has at least ten years experience at management level; and
(d) meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

(3) The Secretary General shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission and Secretary to the
Board and shall be responsible to the Board for the day-to-day management of the affairs of the
Commission including—
(a) the day-to-day operations of the Commission;
(b) the management of the funds of the Commission;
(c) the administration and management of the property of the Commission; and
(d) the supervision and control of the officers and other staff of the Commission. 18. Term of office of the Secretary-General
Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Secretary-General shall hold office for a term of five years and
shall be eligible for re-appointment for further terms as may be determined by the Board. 19.

y-General shall hold office for a term of five years and
shall be eligible for re-appointment for further terms as may be determined by the Board. 19.

Removal of Secretary-General
(1) The Secretary-General may be removed from office by the Cabinet Secretary upon recommendation
of the Board in accordance with the terms and conditions of service for—
(a) inability to perform the functions of the office arising out of physical or mental incapacity;
(b) gross misconduct or misbehaviour;
(c) incompetence or neglect of duty;
(d) violation of the Constitution; or
(e) any other ground that would justify removal from office under the terms and conditions of
service. 6

f duty;
(d) violation of the Constitution; or
(e) any other ground that would justify removal from office under the terms and conditions of
service. 6

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
(2) The Secretary-General shall before being removed under subsection (1), be given—
(a) not less than thirty days’ notice of the allegations made against her or him; and
(b) an opportunity to present a defence against the allegations raised. Part IV – SECRETARIAT AND STAFF OF THE COMMISSION
20. Secretariat of the Commission
The Commission shall have a secretariat which shall be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the
Commission and implementing the decisions of the Commission. 21. Deputy Secretary-General
(1) There shall be two Deputy Secretaries-General to the Commission who shall be appointed by
the Cabinet Secretary in consultation with the Board, on terms and conditions specified in the
instrument of appointment. (2) A Deputy Secretary-General shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be responsible to the
Secretary-General. 22. Other staff of the Commission
(1) The Board may, on the advice of the Secretary-General, recruit other staff of the Commission
through a competitive, fair and open process as may be necessary for the proper and efficient
performance of the functions of the Commission.

mmission
through a competitive, fair and open process as may be necessary for the proper and efficient
performance of the functions of the Commission.

(2) The staff appointed under this section shall hold office on such terms and conditions as may be
determined by the Board and specified in their instruments of appointment. (3) The Board shall regulate the manner of appointment, terms and conditions of service and the
discipline of the staff appointed under this section. 23. Consultants
The Commission may, with the approval of the Cabinet Secretary, engage on contract, a person who may
be necessary for the purposes of carrying out specialized work for the Commission. 24. Remuneration of Consultants
There shall be paid to the consultants appointed to the Commission under section 23, such fees and
allowances as the Board shall determine. 25. Establishment of Kenya Permanent Delegation to UNESCO
(1) There is established an office to be known as Kenya Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in this Act
referred to as Kenya UNESCO office. (2) The Kenya UNESCO office shall be the Permanent Delegation for the representation of Kenya at the
UNESCO headquarters and shall liaise with the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO. 26.

he Permanent Delegation for the representation of Kenya at the
UNESCO headquarters and shall liaise with the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO. 26.

Head of Permanent Delegation to UNESCO
The Kenya UNESCO office shall be headed by an Ambassador appointed by the President on the
recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary. 7

ation to UNESCO
The Kenya UNESCO office shall be headed by an Ambassador appointed by the President on the
recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary. 7

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
27. Appointment of staff to the Kenya UNESCO office
The Cabinet Secretary shall in consultation with the Board, appoint qualified persons as staff to the
Kenya UNESCO office as may be necessary for the proper and efficient discharge of the functions of the
Commission under this Act. 28. [Deleted by Act No. 18 of 2014, Sch.]
29. [Deleted by Act No. 18 of 2014, Sch.]
30. [Deleted by Act No. 18 of 2014, Sch.]
Part V – COMMISSION PROGRAMMES AND EXPERT COMMITTEES
31. Constitution of Commission Programmes and Expert Committees
(1) The Board shall constitute the following Committees—
(a) education;
(b) natural science;
(c) social and human science;
(d) culture;
(e) communication and information; and
(f) such other committees as it may consider appropriate for the performance of its functions. (2) Each of the committees specified in subsection (1) shall have a programme officer who shall be the
secretary to the Committee and the expert committee established under section 31. 32.

n subsection (1) shall have a programme officer who shall be the
secretary to the Committee and the expert committee established under section 31. 32.

Composition and functions of the Education Committee
(1) The Education Committee shall consist of not fewer than thirteen and not more than nineteen
members appointed by the Board. (2) The Director-General responsible for education will be the Chairperson of the Committee. (3) The members of the Committee referred to in subsection (1) shall include representatives from—
(a) the Ministry responsible for education and training;
(b) the Teachers Service Commission;
(c) the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development;
(d) an institution mandated by law to train teachers for special needs education;
(e) the schools of education in a public and a private university respectively;
(f) the Commission for University Education;
(g) Kenya Education Management Institute;
(h) Kenya National Examinations Council;
(i) Directorate of Basic Education;
(j) Directorate of Adult and Continuing Education;
8

anagement Institute;
(h) Kenya National Examinations Council;
(i) Directorate of Basic Education;
(j) Directorate of Adult and Continuing Education;
8

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
(k) Directorate of Quality Assurance;
(l) not more than four co-opted members from Government ministries that deal with education
and training. (4) The functions of the Committee shall be to—
(a) implement education programmes and activities in accordance with UNESCO requirements;
(b) co-ordinate all UNESCO education programmes and activities;
(c) implement the recommendations of the International Conferences on Education;
(d) co-ordinate development and implement approved projects proposals in education;
(e) liaise with Ministries, State Agencies, Non-State Actors and national education institutions
to advice on matters related to UNESCO Programmes on Education;
(f) compile analyses of information on Education Research;
(g) collect and transmit Education statistics as per UNESCO Questionnaire;
(h) co-ordinate Education for Sustainable Development activities; and
(i) perform any other duties as may be assigned to it by the Board. (5) The Committee may co-opt other persons whose knowledge and experience it may find necessary
for the performance of its functions.

it by the Board. (5) The Committee may co-opt other persons whose knowledge and experience it may find necessary
for the performance of its functions.

(6) The Committee may establish its own rules of procedure and shall submit the proceedings of its
meetings to the Board for approval. 33. Composition and functions of the Natural Science Committee
(1) The Natural Science Committee shall consist of not fewer than eleven and not more than seventeen
members appointed by the Board. (2) The Director of Government Agency responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation will be the
Chair of the Committee. (3) The members of the Committee referred to in subsection (1) shall include representatives from—
(a) the State Department responsible for matters relating to science, technology and innovation;
(b) the ministry responsible for forestry and wildlife;
(c) the national council for science and technology;
(d) the Kenya Wildlife Service;
(e) the National Museums of Kenya;
(f) the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute;
(g) the Science and Technology departments in a public and a private university respectively;
(h) the Commission for Higher Education;
(i) not more than four co-opted members from Government ministries that deal with Science,
Technology and Innovation.

Commission for Higher Education;
(i) not more than four co-opted members from Government ministries that deal with Science,
Technology and Innovation.

(4) The functions of the Committee shall be to—
(a) implement science programmes and activities in accordance with UNESCO requirements;
(b) co-ordinate all UNESCO Science Programmes and activities;
9

a) implement science programmes and activities in accordance with UNESCO requirements;
(b) co-ordinate all UNESCO Science Programmes and activities;
9

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
(c) co-ordinate development and implement approved projects in Natural Science;
(d) liaise with Ministries, State Agencies, Non-State Actors and national science, technology
and innovation institutions to advice on matters related to UNESCO Programmes on Natural
Science;
(e) compile and analysis information on natural science research;
(f) any other duties as may be assigned by the Board. (5) The Committee may co-opt other persons whose knowledge and experience it may find necessary
for the performance of its functions. (6) The Committee may establish its own rules of procedure and shall submit the proceedings of its
meetings to the Board for approval. 34. Composition and functions of the Social and Human Science Committee
(1) The Committee shall consist of not fewer than eleven and not more than seventeen members
appointed by the Board. (2) The Director of Government Agency responsible for programmes related to Social and Human
Science will be the Chairperson of the Committee.

Board. (2) The Director of Government Agency responsible for programmes related to Social and Human
Science will be the Chairperson of the Committee.

(3) The members of the Committee referred to in subsection (1) shall include representatives from—
(a) the Ministry responsible for youth affairs and sports;
(b) the Ministry responsible for matters relating to gender, children and social development;
(c) the Ministry responsible for Justice and Constitutional Affairs;
(d) the departments of ethics of science, philosophy, in universities respectively;
(e) not more than four co-opted members.

d Constitutional Affairs;
(d) the departments of ethics of science, philosophy, in universities respectively;
(e) not more than four co-opted members.

(4) The functions of the Social and Human Science Committee shall be to—
(a) implement Social and Human Science Programmes and activities according to UNESCO
requirements;
(b) co-ordinate all UNESCO Social and Human Science Programmes and activities;
(c) follow up of recommendations of the International Conferences on Social and Human
Science;
(d) co-ordinate development and implementation of projects proposals in Social and Human
Science;
(e) liaise with ministries, State departments, non-state actors and national institutions
responsible for programmes related to social and human science to advice on matters related
to UNESCO programmes on social and human science;
(f) compile and analyze information on Social and Human science research;
(g) perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Board. (5) The Committee may co-opt other persons whose knowledge and experience it may find necessary
for the performance of its functions. (6) The Committee may establish its own rules of procedure and shall submit the proceedings of its
meetings to the Board for approval. 10

s functions. (6) The Committee may establish its own rules of procedure and shall submit the proceedings of its
meetings to the Board for approval. 10

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
35. Composition and functions of the Culture Committee
(1) The Committee shall consist of not fewer than eleven and not more than seventeen members
appointed by the Board. (2) The Director of the Government Agency responsible for culture will be the Chairperson of the
Committee. (3) The members of the Committee referred to in subsection (1) shall include representatives from—
(a) the National Museums of Kenya;
(b) the Kenya Wildlife Service;
(c) the Office of the Attorney-General;
(d) the National Book Development Council;
(e) the Directorate of quality assurance and standards;
(f) the national archives;
(g) the departments of culture and languages in universities respectively; and
(h) not more than four co-opted members from State Agencies that deal with culture.

rtments of culture and languages in universities respectively; and
(h) not more than four co-opted members from State Agencies that deal with culture.

(4) The functions of the Culture Committee shall be to—
(a) implement cultural programmes and activities in accordance with UNESCO requirements;
(b) co-ordinate all UNESCO cultural programmes and activities;
(c) implement the recommendations of the international conferences on culture;
(d) co-ordinate development and implement approved projects proposals in culture programme;
(e) liaise with ministries, State departments, non-state actors and national institutions
responsible for culture to advice on matters related to UNESCO programmes on culture;
(f) compile and undertake an analysis of information on culture related research; and
(g) perform any other duties as may be assigned to it by the Board. (5) The Committee may co-opt other persons whose knowledge and experience it may find necessary
for the performance of its functions. (6) The Committee may establish its own rules of procedure and shall submit the proceedings of its
meetings to the Board for approval. 36. Composition and functions of the Communication and Information Committee
(1) The Committee shall consist of not fewer than eleven and not more than seventeen members
appointed by the Board.

ication and Information Committee
(1) The Committee shall consist of not fewer than eleven and not more than seventeen members
appointed by the Board.

(2) The Information Secretary shall be the Chairperson of the Committee. (3) The members of the Committee referred to in subsection (1) shall include representatives from—
(a) the Media Council of Kenya;
(b) the National Archives;
(c) the National Library Service;
(d) the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication;
11

s from—
(a) the Media Council of Kenya;
(b) the National Archives;
(c) the National Library Service;
(d) the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication;
11

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
(e) the departments of Communication and Information in public and private universities
respectively;
(f) Not more than four co-opted members from State Agencies that deal with Communication
and Information. (4) The functions of the Communication and Information Committee shall be to—
(a) implement communication and information programmes and activities in accordance with
UNESCO requirements;
(b) co-ordinate all UNESCO Communication and Information Programmes and activities;
(c) follow up of recommendations of the International Conferences on Communication and
Information;
(d) co-ordinate development and implement approved projects proposals in Communication and
Information programme;
(e) liaise with Ministries, State Agencies, Non-State Actors and national institutions responsible
for Communication and Information to advice on matters related to UNESCO Programmes on
Communication and Information;
(f) compile and analyse information on Communication and Information related research; and
(g) undertake any other duties as may be assigned to it by the Board.

e and analyse information on Communication and Information related research; and
(g) undertake any other duties as may be assigned to it by the Board.

(5) The Committee may co-opt other persons whose knowledge and experience it may find necessary
for the performance of its functions. (6) The Committee may establish its own rules of procedure and shall submit the proceedings of its
meetings to the Board for approval. 37. Remuneration of Programme and Expert Committee Members
There shall be paid to the members of Programme and Expert committees appointed under this Act, such
allowances as the Board shall determine. Part VI – FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
38. Funds of the Commission. The funds of the Commission shall comprise—
(a) monies allocated by Parliament for the purposes of the Commission;
(b) such monies as may accrue to or vest in the Commission in the course of the exercise of its powers
or the performance of its functions under this Act or under any other written law; and
(c) monies from any other source provided for, donated or lent to the Commission. 39. Financial year
The financial year of the Commission shall be the period of twelve months ending on the thirtieth day of
June in each year. 40.

on. 39. Financial year
The financial year of the Commission shall be the period of twelve months ending on the thirtieth day of
June in each year. 40.

Annual estimates
(1) At least three months before the commencement of each financial year, the Board shall cause to be
prepared estimates of the revenue and expenditure of the Commission for that year. 12

commencement of each financial year, the Board shall cause to be
prepared estimates of the revenue and expenditure of the Commission for that year. 12

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
(2) The annual estimates shall make provision for all the estimated expenditure of the Commission for
the financial year, and in particular, the estimates shall provide for—
(a) the payment of salaries, allowances and other charges in respect of the staff of the
Commission;
(b) the payment of pensions, gratuities and other charges in respect of the staff of the
Commission; and
(c) the proper maintenance of the buildings and grounds of the Commission. (3) The annual estimates shall be approved by the Board before the commencement of the financial
year to which they relate and shall be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for approval. 41. Books of accounts and audit
(1) The Board shall cause to be kept proper books of accounts of all the income and expenditure, assets
and liabilities, undertakings, funds, activities, contracts, transactions and other business of the
Commission. (2) The Board shall ensure that all money received is properly brought to account, all payments out of
its funds are correctly made and properly authorized and that adequate control is maintained over
its assets and liabilities.

unt, all payments out of
its funds are correctly made and properly authorized and that adequate control is maintained over
its assets and liabilities.

(3) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited in accordance with the Public Audit Act (Cap. 412B) and any other law relating the management of public resources. Part VII – GENERAL PROVISIONS
42. Common seal
All deeds, instruments, contracts and other documents shall be deemed to be duly executed by or on
behalf of the Board—
(a) if they are required to be under seal, if sealed with the common seal of the Board and authenticated
by the Chairperson or the Secretary General;
(b) if they are not required to be under seal, if executed in that behalf by a member authorized by the
Board for that purpose;
(c) A deed, instrument, contract or other document executed in accordance with subsection (b) shall
be effective in law to bind the Board and its successors and may be varied or discharged in the same
manner as that in which it was executed. 43. Remuneration
The members of Board shall be paid such allowances as the Board may, in consultation with the Salaries
and Remuneration Commission, determine, and shall be entitled to be paid allowances in connection with
the work of the Commission. 44.

th the Salaries
and Remuneration Commission, determine, and shall be entitled to be paid allowances in connection with
the work of the Commission. 44.

Appointment of staff
(1) The Board may appoint such staff or engage such consultants and experts as may be necessary for
the proper discharge of its functions under this Act. (2) The staff appointed under subsection (1) shall serve on such terms and conditions as the Board
may, in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, determine. 13

subsection (1) shall serve on such terms and conditions as the Board
may, in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, determine. 13

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
45. Protection from personal liability
The Chairperson, members, secretary or staff of the Commission shall not be personally liable for any act
or omission done or omitted to be done in good faith in carrying out the functions of the Commission
under this Act. 46. Regulations
The Cabinet Secretary may make regulations generally for the better carrying out of the provisions of this
Act. Part VIII – TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
Spent
FIRST SCHEDULE [s. 6(1)(g)]
BODIES TO NOMINATE BOARD MEMBERS
1. Kenya National Examinations Board. 2. Teachers Service Commission. 3. A representative of a Public University Senate. 4. Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. 5. Director General responsible for education and training. SECOND SCHEDULE [s. 15(1)]
MEETINGS AND PROCEDURES OF THE BOARD
1. Meetings
(1) The Board shall hold not less than three meetings in every financial year, and not more than four
months shall elapse between the date of one meeting and the date of the next meeting. (2) The notice for a meeting of the Board shall be in writing, and shall be for a period of fourteen days,
except for special meetings.

next meeting. (2) The notice for a meeting of the Board shall be in writing, and shall be for a period of fourteen days,
except for special meetings.

(3) The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings and in the absence of the Chairperson, by a person
elected by the Board at the meeting for that purpose. (4) The Board may invite any person to attend any of its meetings and to participate in its
deliberations, but the person shall not have a vote in any decision of the Board. 14

ny person to attend any of its meetings and to participate in its
deliberations, but the person shall not have a vote in any decision of the Board. 14

Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Act (Cap. 215) Kenya
2. Conflict of interest and disclosure
(1) If a member is directly or indirectly interested in any contract, proposed contract or other matter
before the Board and is present at a meeting of the Board at which the contract, proposed contract
or other matter which is the subject of consideration, the member shall, at the meeting and as soon
as reasonably practicable after the commencement thereof, disclose the fact, and shall not take part
in the consideration or discussion of, or vote on, any questions with respect to the contract or other
matter, or be counted in the quorum of the meeting during consideration of the matter. (2) A disclosure of interest made under this paragraph shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting
at which it is made. (3) No member of the Board or staff shall transact any business or trade with the Commission. 3. Quorum
The quorum for the conduct of business at a meeting of the Board shall be two-thirds of all the members of
the Board. 4.

ith the Commission. 3. Quorum
The quorum for the conduct of business at a meeting of the Board shall be two-thirds of all the members of
the Board. 4.

Voting
A decision of the Board shall be by a majority of the members present and voting, and in the case of an
equality of votes, the person presiding at the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. 5. Rules of procedure and minutes
The Board shall—
(a) determine rules of procedure for the conduct of its business; and
(b) cause to be kept records of minutes of its proceedings and decisions. 15