By Diana Arodi
Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Migos Ogamba, officially opened the 48th Annual Conference of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) on Monday in Mombasa.
The annual gathering has brought together thousands of secondary school principals from across the country to deliberate on emerging issues in the education sector.
This year’s theme is “Re-Imagining Secondary School Education for Sustainable Development.”
In his keynote address, CS Ogamba emphasized the importance of strong leadership in schools and the need to adapt education to the changing global landscape.
He acknowledged the dedication of school heads and urged them to champion innovation, inclusivity, and integrity in their institutions.
“The future of Kenya depends on what happens in our classrooms today. You, as heads of schools, are the torchbearers of transformation,” CS Ogamba stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing adequate resources and policy support, including timely disbursement of funds and continuous capacity-building for educators.
He also called on heads of schools to embrace technology and enhance digital literacy among learners as a pathway to global competitiveness.
KESSHA National Chairperson, Indimuli Kahi, welcomed the Cabinet Secretary’s remarks, noting that school heads face growing responsibilities in light of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), student mental health concerns, and infrastructure challenges.
“We are not only academic leaders but also caregivers, innovators, and administrators. To meet these demands, we need stronger support systems,” said Mr. Kahi.
The conference will run throughout the week and feature panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions.
Key areas of focus include digital learning integration, school safety, discipline management, education reforms, and teacher welfare.
As Kenya aims to align its education system with the demands of a dynamic and knowledge-based economy, the KESSHA conference serves as a platform to foster dialogue, share best practices, and inspire change at the leadership level.