April 13-17, 2026 · Nairobi, Kenya
1st KEMI International Conference 2026Catalysts for Transformation in Education Leadership
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
About the Conference
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
Sub-Themes
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.
Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Tom Vandenbosch
Global Director of Programmes, VVOB
VVOB
VVOB
View profile
Albert Nsengiyumva
Executive Secretary
ADEA
ADEA
View profile
Dr. Sara Ruto
Education Governance Expert
View profile
Dr. Fay Hodza
Global Senior Director of Programmes
PEAS
PEAS
View profile
Professor Shaukat Abdulrazak, EBS
Principal Secretary
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Education
View profile
Programme
Conference Programme
A five-day programme of keynotes, paper presentations, workshops and networking.
View Agenda07:30 – 08:15
Conference Participants Registration & Log In
Safari Park Hotel
session
08:15 – 08:30
Kenya National Anthem, East African Anthem & Opening Prayers
Prof. Anne Ndiritu
keynote
08:30 – 08:40
Opening Remarks
Dr. Maurice Odondo PhD – CEO, KEMI
keynote
08:40 – 08:50
Speech by KEMI Council Chair
Mr. Mohamed Sheikh Gabow
keynote
08:50 – 09:10
Official Opening of the Conference by the Chief Guest
Mr. Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of 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 GEMR Report
Antoninis Manos, Josephine Kiyenje (GEMR) & Martin Kungania (MoE Kenya)
session
10:05 – 11:20
Panel 1: Repositioning School Leadership as a Strategic Policy Driver for Education Transformation
Moderator: Shem Bodo, ADEA-ACSL
Panelists:
Dr. Gichuhi Ndegwa - Policy, Partnerships & EACA (MoE) - Kenya
Dr. Tarah Abdishakur - Nottingham Trent University, UK
Ms. Mapula Ella - CEO - South African Council for Educators - S.A
Dr Eldah Onsomu - Executive Director - Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
Prof. Mary Otieno- Kenyatta University
Dr. Tarah Abdishakur - Nottingham Trent University, UK
Ms. Mapula Ella - CEO - South African Council for Educators - S.A
Dr Eldah Onsomu - Executive Director - Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
Prof. Mary Otieno- Kenyatta University
Rapporteurs:
Dr. Grace Gatundu & Dr. Alphonce Juma
panel
11:20 – 11:35
Blended Professional Development Impact on Junior School Instructional Leadership and Teacher Efficacy
Dr. Charles Omwanza (KEMI) & Dr. Winnie Joy Gatwiri (VVOB)
session
11:35 – 13:00
Abstracts Presentations
session
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
break
14:00 – 15:15
Panel 2: Foundational Learning – Practical Approaches to Strengthen Early Literacy and Numeracy
Moderator: Dr. Stellah Keter, Moi University
Panelists:
Josephine Kiyenje - UNESCO (Global Education Monitoring Report)
Dr. Jacqueline Jere Folotiya - Senior Foundational Learning Expert - ADEA
Dr. Perpetua Urio – Dar es Salaam University College of Education
Dr. Nkengne Alian Patrick - Senior Education Specialist - UNESCO - IIEP - Senegal
Dr. Shaheen Nilofer - UNICEF Representative to Kenya
Sarah Koko - RTI International
Dr. Benjamin Piper PhD - Director Global Education Program - Gates Foundation
Hon. Sebastian Owanga Aduong'a - C.E.C.M. - Education, ICT, Gender, Youth Affairs, Sports, Community Development and Social Services - Lamu County, Kenya
Martin Kungania - MoE
Dr. Jacqueline Jere Folotiya - Senior Foundational Learning Expert - ADEA
Dr. Perpetua Urio – Dar es Salaam University College of Education
Dr. Nkengne Alian Patrick - Senior Education Specialist - UNESCO - IIEP - Senegal
Dr. Shaheen Nilofer - UNICEF Representative to Kenya
Sarah Koko - RTI International
Dr. Benjamin Piper PhD - Director Global Education Program - Gates Foundation
Hon. Sebastian Owanga Aduong'a - C.E.C.M. - Education, ICT, Gender, Youth Affairs, Sports, Community Development and Social Services - Lamu County, Kenya
Martin Kungania - MoE
Rapporteurs:
Dr. James Kioko & Dr. Joyce Otieno
panel
15:15 – 17:00
Abstracts Presentations
session
17:00 – 18:00
Networking
session
18:00
Welcome Cocktail Event
session
07:30 – 08:10
Conference Participants Registration & Log In
session
08:10 – 08:20
Kenya National Anthem, East African Anthem & Opening Prayers
Mathias Matze
session
08:20 – 08:30
Recap of Day 1
Dr. Mercy Macharia
session
08:30 – 08:45
Opening Remarks
Dr. Elyas Abdi - Director General, Ministry of Education
session
08:45 – 09:15
Transforming Education Leadership in Africa: Collaborative Approaches to Achieving Sustainable Development and Quality Education
Tom Vandenbosch – Global Director of Programmes, VVOB
keynote
09:15 – 09:30
Continental Mapping of School Leadership Initiatives in Africa Report (ACSL)
Joyceline Kirezi (VVOB-ACSL), Sandrine Ishimiwe (VVOB-ACSL), Caren Namalenya (ESSA-ACSL)
session
09:30 – 10:00
Health Break
break
10:00 – 11:15
Panel 3: Beyond Compliance – Transforming Professional Development for School Leaders
Moderator: Chinedu Ejike Anarado, ADEA-ACSL & Prof Mary Otieno, Kenyatta University
Panelists:
Dr. Maurice Odondo PhD - CEO - KEMI, Kenya
Dr. Maulid Jumanne Maulid PhD - CEO - ADEM, Tanzania
Prof. Nsanganwimana Florien - University of Rwanda - College of Education
Prof. Michael Boakye - Yiadom - DG IEPA, Ghana
Prof. Philip Bailey Wood - Nottingham Trent University, UK
Chantal Kabanda Dusabe - Technical Lead, VVOB - ACSL
Prof. Steve Chidi Nwokeocha - Executive Director - Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) - Abuja, Nigeria
Dr. Maulid Jumanne Maulid PhD - CEO - ADEM, Tanzania
Prof. Nsanganwimana Florien - University of Rwanda - College of Education
Prof. Michael Boakye - Yiadom - DG IEPA, Ghana
Prof. Philip Bailey Wood - Nottingham Trent University, UK
Chantal Kabanda Dusabe - Technical Lead, VVOB - ACSL
Prof. Steve Chidi Nwokeocha - Executive Director - Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) - Abuja, Nigeria
Rapporteurs:
Dr. Winnie Bulimo & Dr. Onesmus Thuo
panel
11:15 – 13:00
Abstracts Presentations
session
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
break
14:00 – 15:15
Panel 4: Leading Curriculum Implementation – Aligning Pedagogy with Policy for Effective Learning Outcomes
Moderator: Alex Njiiri - Head of Education Reform Sub-Saharan Africa - Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Panelists:
Evaleen J. Mitei - CEO, Teachers Service Commision (TSC)
Prof. Charles Ochieng' Ong'ondo - CEO, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)
Dr. David Njengere - CEO, Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)
Ezekiel Nonie - Director Teacher Development and Performance, Sierra Leon Teaching Service Commission
Dr. Norman Kiogora - Director, Kenya Institute for Special Education (KISE)
Dr. Alice Kande - CEO, Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)
Napoe Épse Akpo-Gnandi Koumbon - Coordinatrice Regionale, Africa Network Campaign Education for All (ANCEFA), Togo
Prof. Egara Kabaji - Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Prof. Charles Ochieng' Ong'ondo - CEO, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)
Dr. David Njengere - CEO, Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)
Ezekiel Nonie - Director Teacher Development and Performance, Sierra Leon Teaching Service Commission
Dr. Norman Kiogora - Director, Kenya Institute for Special Education (KISE)
Dr. Alice Kande - CEO, Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)
Napoe Épse Akpo-Gnandi Koumbon - Coordinatrice Regionale, Africa Network Campaign Education for All (ANCEFA), Togo
Prof. Egara Kabaji - Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Rapporteurs:
Dr. Edward Lokidor & Stephen Choge
panel
15:15 – 16:50
Abstracts Presentation
session
16:50 – 17:00
Reflection and Close of Day
session
17:00
Coffee/Tea Break and Departure
break
07:30 – 08:15
Conference Participants Registration & Log In
Prof. Laura Mamuli
Rapporteurs:
Dr. Arah Abubakar & Dr. Salome Koskei Yatich
session
08:15 – 08:30
Kenya National Anthem, East African Anthem & Opening Prayers
Mr. Onesmus Ndaramu
session
08:30 – 08:45
Recap of Day 2
Dr. Jane Barasa
session
08:45 – 09:15
Strengthening Leadership and Accountability for Transformative School Systems
Dr. Sara Ruto – Education Governance Expert
keynote
09:15 – 09:45
Health Break
break
09:45 – 11:00
Panel 5: Leading for Resilience – Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Education
Moderator: Dr. Fay Hodza – Global Senior Director of Programmes, PEAS
Panelists:
Nuria Mureno - Programmes Manager, VVOB-ACSL
Dr. Zakhele Dennis Nzuza - University of Fort Hare, South Africa
Dr. Idle Omar Farah - CEO, Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC)
Casper Pedo - Country Programme Lead, Mastercard Foundation
Suah Patience Ujay - Education Development Centre, Senior Technical Advisor - Secondary Education, Liberia
Harun M. Yusuf, HSC - CEO, National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK)
Dr. Zakhele Dennis Nzuza - University of Fort Hare, South Africa
Dr. Idle Omar Farah - CEO, Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC)
Casper Pedo - Country Programme Lead, Mastercard Foundation
Suah Patience Ujay - Education Development Centre, Senior Technical Advisor - Secondary Education, Liberia
Harun M. Yusuf, HSC - CEO, National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya (NACONEK)
Rapporteurs:
Dr. Faraji Yatundu & Virginia Ngindiru
panel
11:00 – 13:00
Abstracts Presentations
session
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
break
14:00 – 15:15
Panel 6: Climate Education as a Catalyst for Change – Empowering School Leaders to Foster a Culture of Sustainability
Moderator: Dr. Rodgers Cherui, Daystar University
Panelists:
Sheila Shefo Mbiru- Head, Fiirst Lady’s Mazingira Awards(FLAMA)- Voice of Children, Office of the First Lady
Rupert Corbishley- Aga Khan FoundationDr. Justin Nyaga - University of Embu
Prof. Ouma Gilbert O. - Director Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi
Martin Krause - Director Climate Change Division, UNEP
Harsen Nyambe - Director Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union
Winnie Rachel - Country Director, UNICAF
Rupert Corbishley- Aga Khan FoundationDr. Justin Nyaga - University of Embu
Prof. Ouma Gilbert O. - Director Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi
Martin Krause - Director Climate Change Division, UNEP
Harsen Nyambe - Director Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union
Winnie Rachel - Country Director, UNICAF
Rapporteurs:
Mr. Elijah Karimi & Emily Kutto
panel
15:15 – 16:50
Abstracts Presentations
session
16:50 – 17:00
Reflection and Close of Day
break
17:00
Coffee/Tea Break and Departure
break
07:30 – 08:15
Conference Participants Registration & Log In
session
08:15 – 08:30
Opening Prayers
Peris Kiprono
keynote
08:30 – 08:45
Recap of Day 3
Dr. Arah Abubakar
session
08:45 – 09:15
Driving Global Change Through Inclusive Leadership: Fostering Educational Equality for Every Learner
Dr. Fay Hodza – Global Senior Director of Programmes, PEAS
keynote
09:15 – 09:30
Leadership in Teaching (LIT) Report
Mastercard Foundation
session
09:30 – 10:00
Health Break
break
10:00 – 11:15
Panel 7: Digital Transformation and Innovation in School Leadership
Moderator: Dr. Maina wa Gioko – Head of Professional Development Center, Aga Khan Schools
Panelists:
Prof. Tom Ogada - CEO - Africa Centre for Technology Studies (AI and Innovation)
Dr. Tonny Omwansa - CEO - Kenya National Innovation Agency
Noam Janssens - Strategic Education Advisor - VVOB Kenya
Fredrick Mujumba - HoD KEMIS - Ministry of Education Kenya
Mr. John Paul Okwiri - CEO - Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA)
Maxwell Fundi - Edutab Africa
Jennifer Cotter - CEO Education Design Unlimited and cofounder Edtech East Africa
Dr. Tonny Omwansa - CEO - Kenya National Innovation Agency
Noam Janssens - Strategic Education Advisor - VVOB Kenya
Fredrick Mujumba - HoD KEMIS - Ministry of Education Kenya
Mr. John Paul Okwiri - CEO - Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA)
Maxwell Fundi - Edutab Africa
Jennifer Cotter - CEO Education Design Unlimited and cofounder Edtech East Africa
Rapporteurs:
Rapporteurs: Virginia Ngindiru
panel
11:15 – 13:00
Best Practices Presentations (Heads of Institutions)
session
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
break
14:00 – 15:15
Panel 8: Financing Education Reforms – Unlocking Resources for Transformative Change
Moderator: Lamine Sow- ADEA - ACSL
Panelists:
Prof Robert Gateru- Vice Chancellor- Riara University
CPA Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda - Chair - ICPAK Kenya
Prof George K.T. Oduro - Technical Advisor to the Minister - Ministry of Education, Ghana
Mr. Nahum Saul Nyawara - Chief Finance Officer - State Department for Early Learning and Basic Education Kenya (MoE)
Mr. Albert Mwenda - Director General - Budget, Fiscal and Economic Affairs - Ministry of Treasury
CPA Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda - Chair - ICPAK Kenya
Prof George K.T. Oduro - Technical Advisor to the Minister - Ministry of Education, Ghana
Mr. Nahum Saul Nyawara - Chief Finance Officer - State Department for Early Learning and Basic Education Kenya (MoE)
Mr. Albert Mwenda - Director General - Budget, Fiscal and Economic Affairs - Ministry of Treasury
Rapporteurs:
Stephen Choge & Dr. Ruth Wafubwa
panel
15:15 – 16:50
Best Practices Presentations (Heads of Institutions)
session
16:50 – 17:00
Reflection and Close of Day
break
17:00
Coffee/Tea Break and Departure
break
07:30 – 08:15
Conference Participants Registration & Log In
session
08:15 – 08:30
National Anthems & Opening Prayers
Mathias Matze
keynote
08:30 – 08:45
Recap of Day 4
Mr. Simon Ngatia
session
08:45 – 09:15
Science, Innovation, and Leadership: Paving the Way for Educational Transformation through Research
Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat – PS Science, Research and Innovation, Ministry of Education
keynote
09:15 – 09:45
Health Break
break
09:45 – 11:00
Panel 9: Bridging Research and Policy – Leveraging Education Research to Transform School Leadership and Learning Outcomes
Moderator: Dr. Leila Abdullahi – ESSA/ACSL
Panelists:
Dr. Edmund Aalangdong - Head of Research - ESSA - ACSL
Dr. Moses Ngware - Head of Education and Youth Empowerment Research Unit - APHRC
Dr. Emmanuel Manyasa - Executive Director - USAWA AGENDA
Prof. Jeremiah Kalai – Dean, School of Education - University of Nairobi Prof. Laban Ayiro - Vice Chancellor - Daystar University
Hon. Thomas Momo Parker - Deputy Minister Planning Research and Development – Liberia
Prof. John Okumu – Vice Chancellor - Kenyatta University
Dr. Moses Ngware - Head of Education and Youth Empowerment Research Unit - APHRC
Dr. Emmanuel Manyasa - Executive Director - USAWA AGENDA
Prof. Jeremiah Kalai – Dean, School of Education - University of Nairobi Prof. Laban Ayiro - Vice Chancellor - Daystar University
Hon. Thomas Momo Parker - Deputy Minister Planning Research and Development – Liberia
Prof. John Okumu – Vice Chancellor - Kenyatta University
Rapporteurs:
Rapporteurs: Dr. Winnie Joy Gatwiri and Dr. Joyce Njiiri
panel
11:00 – 13:00
Best Practices Presentations (Principals)
session
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
break
14:00 – 15:15
Panel 10: Collaboration for Impact – Building Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Quality Education
Moderator: Everlyne Nyongesa – Regional Gender Technical Lead, VVOB
Panelists:
Catherine Matara - Directorate of Policy, Partnerships and EACA (MoE) Kenya
Dr. John Mugo - CEO - Zizi Afrique Foundation
Steve Kariithi - CEO - DIGNITAS
Dr. Mary Mugo - Country Director - EDUKANS
Ruth Charo - Senior Education Specialist - World Bank
Dr. John Mugo - CEO - Zizi Afrique Foundation
Steve Kariithi - CEO - DIGNITAS
Dr. Mary Mugo - Country Director - EDUKANS
Ruth Charo - Senior Education Specialist - World Bank
Rapporteurs:
Rapporteurs: Dr Petronilla Kingi & Peris Kiprono
panel
15:15 – 16:15
Best Practices Presentations (Principals)
session
16:15 – 16:30
Post Conference Evaluation Survey
break
16:30 – 16:45
Conference Reflections and Way Forward
break
16:45 – 17:00
Closing Remarks
Prof. George K.T. Oduro - Technical Advisor to the Minister - Ministry of Education, Ghana Dr. Maurice Odondo, PhD – CEO, KEMI Prof Bitok Julius- PS - Basic Education
session
17:00
Departure
break
Registration Fees
Choose Your Participation
Flexible options for local, international and student participants.
Local
Physical Attendance
6,000
KES
- Full 5-day access
- Conference materials
- Lunch & refreshments
- Certificate of participation
Popular
International
Physical Attendance
60
USD
- Full 5-day access
- Conference materials
- Lunch & refreshments
- Certificate of participation
Student
Physical Attendance
6,000
KES
- Full 5-day access
- Conference materials
- Lunch & refreshments
- Certificate of participation
Delegate
Physical Attendance
6,000
KES
- Full 5-day access
- Conference materials
- Lunch & refreshments
- Certificate of participation
International Student
Physical Attendance
60
USD
- Full 5-day access
- Conference materials
- Lunch & refreshments
- Certificate of participation
Local
Virtual Attendance
1,500
KES
- Live stream access
- Digital materials
- Virtual networking
- Certificate of participation
Popular
International
Virtual Attendance
50
USD
- Live stream access
- Digital materials
- Virtual networking
- Certificate of participation
Student
Virtual Attendance
1,500
KES
- Live stream access
- Digital materials
- Virtual networking
- Certificate of participation
Delegate
Virtual Attendance
1,500
KES
- Live stream access
- Digital materials
- Virtual networking
- Certificate of participation
International Student
Virtual Attendance
20
USD
- Live stream access
- Digital materials
- Virtual networking
- Certificate of participation
Call for Papers
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
Contact Us
Get In Touch
Email
editorkjelm@kemi.ac.ke
Phone
+254 724 863 397
Venue
Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
Dates
April 13-17, 2026
