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 April 13-17, 2026  ·  Nairobi, Kenya

1st KEMI International Conference 2026Catalysts for Transformation: Re-inventing Leadership in Sustainable and Inclusive Education Ecosystem

A premier gathering of education leaders, researchers, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.

5
Conference Days
4
Sub-Themes
Hybrid
Physical & Virtual

Conference Details

Dates
April 13-17, 2026
Venue
Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
Contact
editorkjelm@kemi.ac.ke
Register Now →
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About the Conference

The Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI) is the capacity-building agency of the Ministry of Education, Kenya, mandated to conduct training, undertake research, and offer consultancy for the education sector. In pursuit of its mandate, KEMI plans to host its 1st International Conference from 13th to 17th April 2026 at The Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi. The conference aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience in school leadership and will focus on best practices, lessons learned, and shared experiences. The conference theme is “Catalyst for Transformation: Reinventing Leadership in Sustainable and Inclusive Education Ecosystem”.

Organized by
Kenya Education Management Institute
Scope
International — Hybrid Format
Target
Education Leaders & Researchers
Outcome
Research & Policy Papers
A Message From
Dr. Maurice Odondo
Dr. Maurice Odondo
Chief Executive Officer
It is my distinct honour and privilege to welcome you to the 1st KEMI International Conference 2026. This landmark event brings together education leaders, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across Africa and beyond, united by a shared commitment to transforming education leadership on our continent.

We believe that the future of Africa depends on the quality of its education systems, and that quality begins with strong, visionary leadership. I look forward to welcoming you to Nairobi in April 2026.
Kenya Education Management Institute

Conference Sub-Themes

Explore the four key areas shaping the future of education leadership.

Theme 1

Education Leadership & Governance

Transformative leadership models, governance frameworks, policy implementation, and accountability systems.

Theme 2

Teaching, Learning & Inclusion

Innovative pedagogies, inclusive education practices, learner-centred approaches, and strategies for marginalised communities.

Theme 3

Innovation & Technology in Education

Digital transformation, EdTech integration, blended learning, AI in education, and resilient education systems.

Theme 4

Climate Change & Education

Environmental education, sustainability curricula, climate literacy, and the role of education in responding to the climate crisis.

Keynote Speakers

Keynote
Mr. Tom Vandenbosch
Mr. Tom Vandenbosch
General Director
VVOB
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Keynote
Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok, CBS, PhD
Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok, CBS, PhD
Principal Secretary
State Department for Basic Education
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Keynote
Mr. Julius Migos Ogamba
Mr. Julius Migos Ogamba
Cabinet Secretary
Ministry of Education
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Keynote
Mr. Albert Nsengiyumva
Mr. Albert Nsengiyumva
Executive Secretary
ADEA
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Keynote
Prof. Laban Ayiro
Prof. Laban Ayiro
Vice-Chancellor
Daystar University
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Keynote
Ms. Mutheu Kasanga
Ms. Mutheu Kasanga
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Lukenya University
Keynote
Ms. Sheila Shefo Mbiru
Ms. Sheila Shefo Mbiru
Head
First Lady Mazingira Awards (FLAMA), Office of the First Lady, Kenya
View profile
Keynote
Dr. Cleophus Mugenyi
Dr. Cleophus Mugenyi
Commissioner Basic Education
National Curriculum Development Centre, Uganda
View profile

Conference Programme

A five-day programme of keynotes, paper presentations, workshops and networking.

View Agenda
11:40 – 13:00
Abstract Presentations on Education Leadership & Governance
Moderator: Prof. Violet Opata, PhD
session
07:30 – 08:00
Conference Participants Registration and Logins
Safari Park Hotel
session
08:00 – 08:25
Kenyan National Anthem and East African Anthem; Opening Prayers
Mrs. Peris Kiprono
session
08:25 – 08:30
Opening Remarks
Prof. Raphael Nyonje - Chief Editor, The KEMI Journal of Educational Leadership Management (KJELM)
session
08:30 – 08:40
Opening Remarks
Dr. Maurice Odondo, PhD - CEO, KEMI
session
08:40 – 08:50
Speech
Mr. Mohamed Sheikh Gabow - Chair, KEMI Council
session
08:50 – 09:10
Official Opening of the Conference by the Chief Guest
Chief Guest- Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok, CBS- Principal Secretary- State Department for Basic Education
keynote
09:10 – 09:30
Group Photo and Health Break
break
09:30 – 09:50
Transforming Education Leadership in Africa: Collaborative Approaches to Achieving Sustainable Development through Quality Education
Albert Nsengiyumva – Executive Secretary, ADEA
keynote
09:50 – 10:05
Presentation and Launch of Spotlight Series Kenya Report 2025
Mr. Antoninis Manos (GEMR/UNESCO), Ms. Josephine Kiyenje (GEMR/UNESCO), Mr. Martin Kungania (MoE Kenya), Prof. Reuben Mutegi & Ms. Louise Haxthausen
session
10:05 – 10:10
Q&A Session
session
10:10 – 11:10
Panel 1: Repositioning School Leadership as a Strategic Policy Driver for Education Transformation
Moderator: Mr. Shem Bodo
Panelists: Dr. Kawira Gikambi, PhD - Deputy Director of Education Policy, Partnerships & East African Community Affairs - Ministry of Education, Kenya
Dr. Abubakar Tarah, PhD - Nottingham Trent University, UK
Mr. Boaz Munga - Ag. Principal Policy Analyst - Social Sector, KIPPRA
Mr. Abraham Okumba - Senior Manager, Programs - Global School Leaders
Prof. Mary Otieno, PhD - Kenyatta University
Prof. George K.T. Oduro, PhD - Technical Advisor to the Minister - Ministry of Education, Ghana
Rapporteurs: Dr. Grace Gatundu & Dr. Alphonse Juma
panel
11:10 – 11:20
Q&A Session
session
11:20 – 11:35
Blended Professional Development Impact on Junior School Instructional Leadership and Teacher Efficacy
Dr. Winnie Joy Gatwiri (VVOB)
session
11:35 – 11:40
Q&A Session
session
11:40 – 13:00
Abstract Presentations on Education Leadership & Governance
Moderator: Prof. Violet Opata
session
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
break
14:00 – 15:00
Panel 2: Foundational Learning – Practical Approaches to Strengthen Early Literacy and Numeracy
Moderator: Dr. Stellah Keter
Panelists: Mr. Antoninis Manos - UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report (GEMR)
Ms. Priyanka Devani - Global Director of Programmes - THINK EQUAL (Africa, Middle East, Asia)
Ms. Sarah Koko - RTI International
Hon. Janerose Mutama - CEC Education and Technical Training, ECD, TVET & Adult Education, Trans-Nzoia County
Mr. Martin Kungania - Ministry of Education, Kenya
Rapporteurs: Ms. Eunice Mugambi
Dr.James Kioko
panel
15:00 – 15:15
Q&A Session
session
15:15 – 17:00
Abstract Presentations on Teaching, Learning & Inclusion
Moderator: Dr. Godfrey Chesang
session
17:00 – 18:00
Networking
session
18:00
Welcome Cocktail Event
session

Choose Your Participation

Flexible options for local, international and student participants.

International Student
Physical Attendance
60
USD
  • Full 5-day access
  • Conference materials
  • Lunch & refreshments
  • Certificate of participation
Exhibitors Delegate
Physical Attendance
6,000
KES
  • Full 5-day access
  • Lunch & refreshments

Exhibition Packages Available

Showcase your programs, innovations, and services by registering as an exhibitor

Tent Size Price Tables Chairs Tags
14’ x 20’ KES 150,000 3 6 6
11’ x 11’ KES 100,000 2 4 4
8’ x 8’ KES 50,000 1 2 2
Register as an Exhibitor →

Submit Your Research

We invite researchers and practitioners to submit abstracts and full papers aligned with the conference themes.

Abstract Deadline
Papers Email
editorkjelm@kemi.ac.ke
Formats
PDF, DOCX (Max 10MB)
Review
Double-blind peer review
Submissions Closed

Submission Guidelines

1
Abstract: 250–300 words
2
Full paper: 4,000–8,000 words
3
APA 7th edition referencing
4
English language only
5
Original unpublished work
6
Blind review — no author details

Get In Touch

Email
editorkjelm@kemi.ac.ke
Phone
+254 724 863 397
Venue
Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
Dates
April 13-17, 2026

Send a Message

Supported By

African Centre for School Leadership DIGNITAS VVOB Population Council Kenya Riara University Unaitas National Bank ZanaAfrica Foundation Co-op Trust Investment Services Cambridge University Press Enwealth UNICAF KNATCOM Chalan Foundation ICEA Lion Group Semara Hotels Gilean Hotel Machakos Hospitality and Technical Institute ICEA Lion Group