Author: Hezron Rooy

Women Underrepresented in University STEM Courses. The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) has highlighted the significant underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Recent statistics reveal that only 22% of university students enrolled in STEM courses are women, and a mere 11% of registered professional engineers in Kenya are female. This gender disparity extends globally, as data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) shows that women make up more than half of all tertiary-level students but remain far less likely to pursue STEM disciplines. From 2018 to 2023, UIS data released in the 2024 GEM…

MPs Probe Leadership Crisis at University of Nairobi, Gives 7-Day Ultimatum. Members of Parliament are scrutinizing the leadership challenges at the University of Nairobi. The National Assembly Education Committee, chaired by Julius Melly, is examining the operations of the university council, which have reportedly caused disruptions in the institution. The committee met with the council but adjourned their session prematurely, citing the council’s lack of preparedness. Mr. Melly reported that the university officials were unprepared and were given seven days to submit the required documents. He noted that the council admitted they needed more time, prompting the committee to schedule…

Experts Call Out Government on School System Failures Following Closure of 348 Boarding Sections. Education stakeholders have expressed concern over the condition of schools across the country, criticizing the government for ignoring recurring reports that highlight significant gaps in the education system. They believe the closure of boarding schools is a reactive step and argue that the government has failed to act proactively or provide viable alternatives. Challenges Highlighted in Reports Reports such as the 2021 study by the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK) and the Usawa Agenda report from April 2024 outline overwhelming challenges facing schools.…

CEMASTEA STEM Boot Camp Empowers Students with Practical Tech Skills. The CEO of the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), Jacinta Akatsa, has stressed the importance of digital skills in today’s fast-paced technological landscape. During the opening of the 6th CEMASTEA STEM Boot Camp held from December 2 to 6, 2024, at the Karen campus, she emphasized how technology has transformed communication, work, education, and commerce. Akatsa highlighted that technology is no longer just a tool but the foundation of innovation and advancement. Akatsa underscored that digital literacy has shifted from being a luxury to an…

Baringo County Employs 1,588 ECDE Teachers on Permanent and Pensionable Terms. Baringo County has confirmed 1,588 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers from the seven sub-counties to permanent and pensionable employment. The move fulfills a 2013 campaign pledge by Governor Benjamin Cheboi to enhance the welfare of staff and improve the over 1,000 ECDE centres in the county. Deputy Governor Eng. Felix Kimaiyo, during the issuance of confirmation letters at Kabarnet Social Hall, commended the teachers for their resilience throughout the 11 years they served on contractual terms. He noted that the journey had been challenging but was worth celebrating…

Education CS Orders Immediate Resumption of Learning at Moi University after RTWF Agreement. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi Ogamba has directed the immediate resumption of academic activities at Moi University following a prolonged standoff between the administration and academic staff. The standoff, which involved other staff members as well, stemmed from disputes over payment of salaries, benefits, and other staffing issues, which had paralyzed operations at the renowned institution. The CS, alongside Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, facilitated the signing of a Return-to-Work Formula (RTWF) agreement between Moi University and staff unions, namely the University…

Migori County Partners with EIDU to Provide Digital Literacy to ECD Learners. Migori County has announced a partnership with EIDU, a technology-enhanced platform, to introduce digital learning in half of its Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres. The initiative is set to benefit learners in 348 centres by 2025, providing them with digital tools to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy. The Migori County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Sports, and Youths, Rahab Robi, highlighted the advantages of the programme for younger learners. She explained that integrating digital skills into early education would equip children with the knowledge to shape…

Treasury to Release Ksh.5 Billion for NG-CDF by Thursday. The National Treasury has pledged to disburse Ksh.5 billion for the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) by Thursday this week. This commitment was communicated to MPs by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, who confirmed receiving a letter from Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi detailing the disbursement schedule. The Treasury assured that Ksh.5 billion would be released before MPs proceed on their long recess. From December to June next year, the Treasury plans to disburse Ksh.7 billion monthly. Wetangula emphasized that between January and June 2025, the same amount would be…

Ministry of Education Closure of Boarding Sections Sparks Criticism. A recent directive from the Ministry of Education to shut down boarding sections in 348 schools nationwide due to safety concerns has been met with widespread disapproval. Stakeholders argue that they were neither consulted nor involved in the decision-making process. Among the affected institutions is Trecer Preparatory School in Kisii, where the directors criticized the ministry for causing unnecessary panic among parents and learners. They insisted that no ministry officials had visited the school for any safety assessment, despite the ministry’s claims of prior engagement. “The letter says an assessment was…

Vacancy Announcement: HELB Seeks New CEO/Board Secretary. The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has declared a vacancy in the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board Secretary role, inviting applications from qualified individuals. The announcement, made on Monday, December 2, 2024, outlined the job’s responsibilities and requirements, emphasizing the need for a transformative, dynamic, and self-driven leader. The Board highlighted that the CEO will be responsible for providing overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational guidance to enable HELB to achieve its objectives. The role entails designing institutional structures, optimizing financial technology (fintech), promoting customer-centered leadership, and driving sustainability. Additionally, the CEO…