Author: Hezron Rooy

Education PS Blames Parents and Exam Officials for KCSE Malpractices. Education Permanent Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang has identified parents and exam officials as key contributors to the rising cases of malpractice in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. Addressing concerns in Nyeri on Thursday, where he oversaw the opening of a national examination storage facility, Kipsang expressed dismay at the role parents play in enabling students to breach exam regulations. He stated that parents often permit students to carry mobile phones to school, a prohibited item in examination rooms. Kipsang emphasized that the primary issue undermining the…

KEPSHA Relocates and Launches Strategic Plan for Future Growth. The Kenya Primary School Headteachers Association (KEPSHA) has officially relocated from its initial home at Tembo House in Nairobi’s Central Business District to an impressive new office on the second floor of Next Gen Mall, Suite 9, along Mombasa Road. This move coincides with the recent launch of KEPSHA’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, aligning with their 20-year milestone since inception in 2003. The spacious new office layout includes a dedicated, well-furnished workspace for the National Chairman, designed to facilitate high-level engagements with dignitaries and delegations. Next to this office is a modern,…

Education Ministry Declines Sh8.7 Billion Demand by University Staff, Urges End to Strike. Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Migos Agamba has announced that the government cannot meet the demand of Sh8.7 billion for the full implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for university staff, including those currently on strike at Moi University. Speaking during the launch of the Commission for University Education’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028, Agamba urged the striking workers to return to their posts and assured them that the government is seeking solutions to address the crisis amicably. Agamba emphasized the government’s inability to fulfill the financial demands…

Moi University Cracks Down on Striking Staff With Suspension Letters. The management of Moi University has suspended several striking employees, including union representatives, citing alleged intimidation tactics and threats. The dispute, which remains unresolved, has led to a division among workers, with some resuming work after the university’s management issued warnings of disciplinary action. Following a court order obtained last week, the university prohibited union members from participating in the ongoing strike. Some workers, particularly casual employees, resumed work, fearing termination despite the lack of an agreed return-to-work formula as the university reopened on Monday. Suspensions and Show Cause Notices…

Zetech University to Build On-Campus Hostel and Sports Facilities to Enhance Student Welfare. Zetech University has announced plans to begin construction of on-campus hostel facilities early next year, aiming to provide secure and affordable housing for students, especially those studying at the Weitethie Campus. This development will be particularly beneficial for students currently residing in Weitethie’s hyena-threatened neighborhood. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene shared the university’s plans at a recent stakeholder meeting, where he outlined the institution’s commitment to creating a safe and conducive learning environment. Recognizing the need for secure, budget-friendly student housing, Prof. Munene stated that the university has…

Students Protest at Godoma Technical Institute, Kilifi: Calls for Principal’s Dismissal. Students from the Godoma Technical and Training Institute in Kilifi staged demonstrations on Thursday outside the campus, demanding the immediate dismissal of the institution’s principal. The protest took place along the Kilifi-Matano Manne Road, with students accusing the administration of poor management, including the recent increase in tuition and exam fees for all students. Key Issues: Fees, Meals, and Healthcare The students expressed frustration over several issues, primarily the fee hikes and inadequate services. They criticized the institution for: According to the students, multiple attempts to discuss these issues…

Egerton University’s Initiative to Equip Women Farmers with Mechanized Farming Skills Egerton University has launched a program to empower women farmers across nine counties in Kenya with mechanized farming skills, aiming to bolster food production and improve food security nationwide. This initiative is designed to provide practical training, create access to agricultural machinery, and foster public-private partnerships to support small-holder female farmers. Mechanization Hubs and Partnerships: Egerton University announced plans to develop public-private partnerships to establish mechanization hubs. These hubs will connect service providers with women farmers who lack access to farm equipment, thus fostering a supportive network for mechanized…

JKUAT Hosts Japanese Speech Contest to Enhance Language Proficiency. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) recently hosted the Japanese Speech Contest as part of the Japanese Cultural Day celebrations. The event, organized by the Department of Media Technology and Applied Communication, aimed to enhance students’ Japanese language skills while fostering an appreciation for Japanese culture. The event also marked a milestone as a JKUAT student received a certificate from Reina Ide, a representative from the Japan Foundation, recognizing his dedication to learning the Japanese language. The Japanese Cultural Day included a range of engaging activities designed to both…

Lakes University Partners with Med Pharmaceuticals to Enhance Graduate Training in Advanced Manufacturing. The Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) has forged a strategic alliance with Med Aditus Pharmaceuticals (MAP), a US-based pharmaceutical company, aimed at equipping students with critical skills for success in the pharmaceutical sector. This collaboration focuses on practical, industry-aligned education, enhancing graduates’ employability within the sector. As part of the partnership, MAP has secured a long-term, zero-cost lease on a 10-acre plot of land within GLUK’s campus, located in Miwani ward, Muhoroni Sub County. Here, a cutting-edge pharmaceutical manufacturing plant will be constructed, serving both as…

Teacher Quits Profession After Eight-Year TSC Job Search and Interview Loss to Former Student. A Board of Management (BOM) teacher at Mwahima Secondary School in Likoni, John Mukulo, has announced his departure from the teaching profession. Mukulo, who has taught History and Christian Religious Education (CRE) since graduating in 2016, cited the challenges of securing employment with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) as his primary reason for leaving. Despite his dedication and recognized performance, Mukulo’s efforts to gain permanent employment have consistently fallen short. Since starting his career under BOM contracts, Mukulo has felt let down by TSC’s shifting recruitment…