In a jubilant gathering of education leaders and stakeholders, the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) celebrated its 20th Annual Conference in Mombasa. The five-day event, held from November 6th to 10th 2023 at the Sheikh Ali-Zayed Children’s Home, marked two decades of dedication to educational excellence. The esteemed occasion, inaugurated by Education CS Hon. Ezekiel Machogu on November 8th, saw the participation of key figures, including Basic Education PS Dr. Belio Kipsang, TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia, KEMI CEO Dr. Maurice Odondo, and KICD CEO Prof. Charles Ong’ondo.
The conference agenda delved into crucial topics shaping the educational landscape:
- Sustainability in Education
- Assessment
- Accountability
- Fostering Inclusivity in Education and Enhancing Teacher Professional Development
- Headteacher Advancement
- Introduction of Programs, Initiatives, and Strategies for Effective Comprehensive Schools Starting 2024
Underpinning these discussions was the pivotal role played by the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI). KEMI, at the forefront of sustainability in education development, emphasized its commitment to enhancing teacher professional development through diploma and certificate courses. With over seven hundred head teachers benefiting from KEMI’s programs, the conference provided a platform for positive interactions and feedback, showcasing initiatives like the Diploma in Guidance and Counseling.
A notable highlight was the showcase of the INCREASE Program, which is jointly implemented by VVOB Kenya .
The conference concluded on November 10th 2023 with an awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding teachers from various regions. The call to continue the noble work of nation-building resonated throughout, creating a sense of camaraderie among the educators.
Simultaneously, the conference served as a stage for KEMI to showcase its programs. The Public Relations unit seized the opportunity, aligning exhibitions with the theme “Re-imagining Education Management in the Context of Junior Secondary School.” The elegantly branded KEMI stand attracted over six thousand delegates, sparking inquiries about the diverse courses and the Increased Program by VVOB.
On the third day, KEMI CEO Dr. Maurice Odondo urged school heads to embrace ICT innovation and integration in the new curriculum dispensation. The introduction of the Diploma in Guidance and Counseling, offered through Open Distance and online, garnered significant interest, with many headteachers enrolling in various KEMI programs.
As the sun set on the conference, the KEPSHA 2023 ceremony closed with a lively evening dinner and a symbolic cake-cutting session, symbolizing two decades of dedicated service. The conference not only celebrated a milestone but also provided a rich tapestry of experiences, challenges, and collaborative efforts to further elevate the standard of education in Kenya.