Between 13th and 17th April 2026, the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI) successfully hosted its inaugural international conference at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, bringing together delegates from over 15 countries across the globe.
Convened under the theme Catalysts for Transformation: Re-inventing Leadership in a Sustainable and Inclusive Education Ecosystem, the conference programme was anchored on three key sub-themes: Education Leadership and Governance, Innovation and Technology in Education, and Climate Change and Education. These thematic tracks explored critical issues ranging from the integration of artificial intelligence in the classroom to the strategic role of education systems in addressing the global climate crisis.
Opening Remarks
Speaking during the opening ceremony, KEMI CEO Dr. Maurice Odondo emphasized the timeliness and urgency of the theme:
We are living in an era defined by rapid technological change, climate uncertainty, evolving labour markets, and an increasing demand for equitable and inclusive education systems. In such a context, leadership is no longer administrative; it is transformational, adaptive, and future-oriented.
Dr. Maurice Odondo — CEO, Kenya Education Management Institute
The Director General at the State Department for Basic Education, Dr. Elyas Abdi Jillaow, also underscored the need for a decisive shift in leadership approaches:
The era of passive school administration is over. We are here to bridge the gap between research and policy, ensuring governance mechanisms promote equity and climate-responsive learning. By reinventing how we lead, we ensure no child is left behind in a digital, rapidly changing world. Kenya is proud to lead this global discourse on educational excellence.
Dr. Elyas Abdi Jillaow — Director General, State Department for Basic Education
Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue
Throughout the five-day conference, parallel sessions facilitated robust exchanges among diverse stakeholders, fostering cross-sectoral dialogue and multi-stakeholder collaboration aimed at advancing quality, equitable, and accountable education.
As the national capacity-building institution under the Ministry of Education, KEMI remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening leadership at all levels of the education system. Through its training, research, and advisory roles, the Institute continues to empower school leaders, education managers, and policymakers to deliver inclusive and high-quality education.
