The Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI) has lost a distinguished professional whose career spanned teaching, institutional leadership, and strategic development in education management. Mr. Wycliffe Wawire Wasike dedicated more than three decades of his life to public service and to the advancement of educational standards across the country.
Mr. Wasike joined KEMI, then known as the Kenya Education Staff Institute (KESI), in August 2010 as a National Management Trainer. His professionalism, expertise, and leadership were quickly recognized, he was appointed Head of Department, Publicity and Media. In November 2012, he assumed the role of Head of the Media, Research, and Marketing Department, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the institute’s public engagement, research visibility, and strategic outreach.
His leadership journey at KEMI continued to advance steadily. In January 2019, he was appointed Head of the Corporate Communication Department, overseeing institutional image, stakeholder relations, and strategic messaging. Between May 2020 and June 2023, he served as Acting Deputy Director in charge of Management Development Department, the core mandate of KEMI. In this role, he led national capacity-building and training programs for education managers and leaders at all levels, directly influencing the leadership effectiveness of school heads, Boards of Management, and education administrators countrywide.
Beyond his departmental roles, Mr. Wasike made significant contributions through service on key institutional committees, including the KEMI Academic Board Committee, the Education Management Committee, the Staff Training Advisory Committee, and the Human Resource Advisory Committee. He was also instrumental in mainstreaming productivity initiatives at KEMI and in piloting training programs for Boards of Management in Nairobi County.
In February 2023, he was nominated as a Parliamentary Liaison Officer for the State Department for Basic Education under the State Corporations Advisory Services, where he played a critical role in facilitating engagement between Parliament and state agencies. Most recently, on 20 January 2025, he was appointed Director of the Education Management Directorate, a position that reflected the confidence placed in his leadership, experience, and vision.
Mr. Wasike was deeply committed to continuous professional development. He successfully completed the Senior Management Course and the Strategic Leadership Development Programme at the Kenya School of Government, further strengthening his capacity to serve at senior leadership levels.
Mr. Wycliffe Wawire Wasike leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, integrity, and impact. His contributions significantly strengthened education management, improved institutional frameworks, and empowered countless professionals across the education sector. His influence will continue to shape education policy, practice, and leadership in Kenya for years to come.
He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant, a strategic and visionary leader, and a humble professional who served with diligence, integrity, and unwavering commitment.