Fear of job cuts has gripped the education sector after the government announced a plan to merge and shut some institutions.

The plan is part of changes proposed by the Cabinet on Tuesday evening as part of government plans to streamline operations by merging and closing institutions with overlapping mandates.

The government's plan will see 42 institutions with overlapping functions folded into 20.

Additionally, 16 outdated institutions will be closed, with their mandates handed over to the private sector.