Kilifi County hosted the second edition of the Elimu Mashinani forum on September 23, 2025, at Pwani University Main Hall. Elimu Mashinani is a nationwide dialogue platform targeting all 47 counties. The program, organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI) and Citizen TV, aims to foster inclusive conversations on key education issues affecting learners, teachers, parents, and communities across Kenya.
CEO KEMI Dr. Maurice Odondo, having a light moment with CEO KICD Prof. Charles Ongondo at the Elimu Mashina forum, Kilifi County.
The panel featured senior officials from the Ministry of Education, including the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Dr. Julius Migos Ogamba; Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok; Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria; and Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala. Also represented were the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI), Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), and the School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU).
Stakeholders raised concerns about the high number of KCSE candidates in the county who scored D+ and below in the previous year’s examinations. Key challenges highlighted included teenage pregnancies, early marriages, poor school infrastructure, and teacher shortages—all contributing to absenteeism and school dropouts. Participants also cited the lack of laboratories in junior schools or poorly equipped facilities, which negatively impact learning outcomes.
One university stakeholder urged the Cabinet Secretary to address the ongoing lecturers’ strike, which continues to disrupt learning in universities. A principal from one of the senior schools also expressed uncertainty about implementing the new Competency-Based Education (CBE) pathways, especially with Grade 10 learners expected next year.
In response, Dr. Ogamba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing teacher shortages, noting that 76,000 teachers had been recruited this year, with plans to hire an additional 24,000 before the end of the year. On the issue of laboratories, he encouraged schools to form clusters with neighboring institutions that have functional laboratories, adding that budgetary provisions had been made to equip all junior and senior schools adequately.
Regarding teenage pregnancies, the Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the challenge and emphasized the government’s Return to School Policy, which allows young mothers to resume their education after childbirth.
Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for Higher Education, urged striking lecturers to return to class in compliance with court directives. Meanwhile, Prof. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, assured stakeholders that the Ministry would provide guidelines, training, and resources to support schools in implementing the new CBE pathways effectively.
Elimu Mashinani continues its mission to engage all 47 counties through panel discussions, stakeholder engagements, and public awareness initiatives aimed at promoting educational reforms and inclusive policy dialogue.