On 1st October 2026, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI) and other partners gathered together to celebrate the significant contributions of VVOB to the education sector in Kenya, and the enduring legacy established through years of collaboration focused on strengthening educational leadership and enhancing learning outcomes.
VVOB’s partnership with KEMI brought together institutions committed to strengthening the capacity of education leaders to respond effectively to the evolving needs of the education sector. Through this collaboration, the two institutions contributed to the development of professional learning opportunities that equipped school leaders with knowledge, skills, and practical approaches to support teachers and create enabling environments for effective learning.
A significant milestone in this partnership was implementing the INCREASE Project (Implementing National Curriculum Reforms through App-Based Learning for School Leaders in Secondary Education). The project supported school leaders in navigating curriculum reforms by strengthening instructional leadership and school-based teacher professional development.
At the heart of the initiative was the recognition that successful curriculum reform depends not only on policies and frameworks, but also on the capacity of school leaders to translate these reforms into meaningful practice within their institutions.
Through the Effective School Leadership for Junior Schools course, KEMI and VVOB developed and delivered a blended professional learning approach that combined digital self-paced learning, facilitated engagement and face-to-face support. The approach enabled participating school leaders to engage with relevant course content, reflect on their leadership practices, share experiences and connect their learning to the realities of managing schools.
The programme demonstrated the value of professional learning that goes beyond the transfer of knowledge. By creating opportunities for reflection, collaboration and practical application, the initiative supported school leaders to consider how leadership practices could contribute to teacher development, effective curriculum implementation and improved learning environments.
For KEMI, the collaboration with VVOB also contributed to institutional learning and strengthened the Institute’s capacity to design and deliver flexible professional development programmes. The experience provided valuable insights into the use of blended learning approaches and reinforced the importance of connecting leadership development to the everyday realities of school practice.
The legacy of the partnership is, however, greater than the programmes and activities implemented. It is reflected in the knowledge shared, professional relationships established, institutional capacities strengthened, and lessons that continue to inform education leadership development.
The success of the collaboration was made possible through the commitment of various stakeholders. VVOB provided technical and financial support, while the Ministry of Education offered guidance and support. KEMI facilitators and technical teams contributed to programme development and implementation, while school leaders participated actively, bringing their experiences and perspectives into the learning process.
Together, these contributions created a foundation for meaningful professional development and strengthened the ability of education leaders to respond to change.
One of the enduring lessons from the partnership is the importance of effective leadership in translating education reforms into practice. School leaders occupy a critical position between policy and implementation. They guide teachers, manage institutional change, promote professional learning, and make decisions that directly influence the experiences and outcomes of learners.
As Kenya continues to implement Competency-Based Education (CBE), the lessons and experiences gained through the partnership remain relevant. KEMI will continue to draw on these experiences in strengthening its leadership development programmes and supporting education managers to lead institutions that are responsive, inclusive and focused on learner success.
Celebrating the VVOB legacy is therefore not simply about looking back at what was accomplished. It is about recognizing the knowledge, partnerships and institutional capacities that will continue to influence education leadership beyond the life of individual projects.
KEMI expresses its sincere appreciation to VVOB for the expertise, support and collaborative spirit demonstrated throughout the partnership. The contribution of VVOB has enriched KEMI’s work and strengthened the shared pursuit of effective school leadership and quality education in Kenya.
As we celebrate the VVOB legacy, KEMI looks forward to carrying forward the lessons, innovations, and values that emerged from this partnership while continuing to advance its vision of “Effectively Managed Institutions of Learning.”