Author: Hezron Rooy

Sound Governance to Save Local Universities from Collapse – Vice Chancellor. Local universities are grappling with financial instability and mounting debts, threatening their survival. However, a university academic suggests that ethical leadership and strong governance structures could prevent many institutions from collapsing. KCA University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaiah Wakindiki, emphasized that globally, stable higher learning institutions attribute their success to ethical and effective leadership across all governance levels. He highlighted that adhering strictly to the University Act could stabilize struggling institutions. “The main challenge to stable universities is lack of ethical leaders. This can bring any institution down. Also, structures including Board of Trustees, the University Management, office of the Chancellor, the University Council…

Distribution of Textbooks for Junior Secondary Schools Concludes on December 15. Education CS Dr. Julius Ogamba has confirmed that the distribution of textbooks to all JSS institutions commenced in October and is expected to conclude by December 15. This initiative aims to achieve a one-to-one textbook-to-student ratio, ensuring that Grade Nine pupils are adequately equipped when schools reopen in January. The Cabinet Secretary instructed head teachers to remain in their schools until they receive the necessary textbooks. He emphasized that if a school has not yet received its books, they are en route, and he has coordinated with head teachers…

Education CS Ogamba Addresses Teacher Training and Recruitment Concerns. Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba has addressed pressing concerns surrounding teacher training and recruitment in the country. Concerns teacher shortages, Dr. Ogamba explained that the Ministry of Education is re-tooling existing teachers to align with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). He assured that additional teachers would be hired to support Grade Nine learners. “Let us not say we do not have teachers for grade nine, what we are doing is re-tooling those available and employing more,” he added. Join Teachers Updates on Facebook He announced that 46,000 teachers currently serving on internship…

CS Ogamba Calls for Audit of School Land Titles, Puts Public Land Grabbers on Notice. During the commissioning of 12 classrooms for Junior Secondary Schools at Kakamega Primary School, Dr. Ogamba instructed all Regional Directors of Education (RDEs) and County Directors of Education (CDEs) to collaborate with the Ministry of Lands to conduct a thorough audit of land belonging to educational institutions. He emphasized the need to secure title deeds for these lands, stressing that this would ensure the land is safeguarded from encroachment. “I direct all directors of education to undertake an audit of all land belonging to Education…

KLB Barred from Implementing New HR Policies Pending Public Input. The Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB) has been prohibited from enforcing new human resource instruments until public participation is conducted. Justice Hellen Wasilwa emphasized that the staff must be consulted, and their views considered before any implementation or approval by the Public Service Commission (PSC). The judge further mandated KLB to undertake a transparent and competitive recruitment process for its new Managing Director and other staff members, ensuring adherence to legal guidelines. Appointment of Acting Managing Director In August, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba appointed Julius Aritho as the Acting Managing…

University Student Accused of ‘Killing’ Ruto Seeks President’s Court Appearance. A Moi University student has requested the court to summon President William Ruto to testify in a case where the student is accused of spreading false information regarding the President’s alleged death. David Ooga Mokaya, a fourth-year student at Moi University, urged Milimani Law Courts magistrate Benmark Ekhubi to direct the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, to provide him with all witness statements, including that of the complainant. Mokaya faces charges of computer misuse and publishing false information on X (formerly Twitter), depicting the military in ceremonial attire…

Nationwide Civil Servants Performance Evaluation Starts Next Week: Here’s What to Expect. All government ministries, state corporations, and tertiary institutions will participate in an Annual Performance Evaluation for the 2023/24 Financial Year. The exercise, conducted by the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management, is set to begin on Monday, December 9, 2024, and will span two months. Performance contracting remains the government’s key performance management tool for implementing its programmes and projects. This mechanism aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in managing public services while improving service delivery. To ensure accountability, the government mandates…

TSC Urges Teachers to Prioritize CBC Training Programs Teachers have been encouraged to approach retooling programs with dedication and apply the knowledge gained in their classrooms effectively. This call to action was made during the launch of a four-day retooling workshop for Junior Secondary School teachers in West Pokot sub-county. TSC Deputy County Director Paul Kamas underscored the significance of the training, urging over 500 participants gathered at Nasokol Girls Secondary School to recognize the weight of the responsibility placed upon them. He reminded them that their role in ensuring the success of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is crucial. The…

KNUT Demands Completion and Upgrade of Koitalel Samoei University. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Nandi branch has urged the government to expedite the completion and upgrade of Koitalel Samoei University College in Nandi County. The union expressed frustration over the institution’s stalled progress despite the availability of over 400 acres of land and annual allocations of substantial funds. Boniface Tenai, the Nandi East/Tinderet branch Executive Secretary, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the project. He noted emerging reports of other universities planning to establish campuses in the county, questioning the rationale behind such initiatives when Koitalel Samoei University remains…

Parents Call for Ministry’s Safety Crackdown in High Schools After Primary Boarding Closure Parents in Kisii County have applauded the Ministry of Education for its decisive action in shutting down boarding schools deemed unfit for learners. They urged the government to expand this initiative to boarding secondary schools, citing even worse hygienic conditions in some of their facilities, which pose significant health risks to students. They expressed their satisfaction with the crackdown, emphasizing that many private school owners exploit these facilities to extract extra money from parents. One parent, Anne Biyaki, stated that the closure was a positive step toward…