Longhorn Publishers has announced major changes to its board of directors, bringing in new leadership while confirming the exit of a key shareholder from its board role.
In a statement issued on August 27, 2025, the company confirmed that Centum Investment Company Plc resigned from the board on August 22. However, it clarified that Centum has not withdrawn its shareholding in the firm.
Centum’s presence will continue through the appointment of Thomas Omondi as an alternative director to Fredrick Murimi.
At the same time, Longhorn Publishers welcomed the appointment of renowned educationist Dr. Sara Ruto as a non-executive director, effective August 22. The company said the changes comply with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) regulations, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listing rules and the Companies Act, 2015.
Dr. Ruto brings more than three decades of experience in education policy and reform. She began her career as a language and literature teacher before becoming a lecturer and researcher at Kenyatta University, where she worked on school reform and girls’ education.
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Her passion for improving learning outcomes led her to establish Uwezo Kenya, a groundbreaking initiative that assessed children’s learning through citizen-led surveys. The programme later expanded to Uganda and Tanzania, sparking the regional call: “Are Our Children Learning?”
From this success, she founded the People’s Action for Learning (PAL) Network. The network, which she later headed as chief executive, has since grown into a global movement spanning 17 countries and is recognized for advancing foundational learning.
Dr. Ruto has also held several senior leadership roles. She served as Chief Administrative Secretary at the Ministry of Education, chaired the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Council, and led the national education response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her global engagements include service on the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning and membership in the Kisii University Council. She also sits on boards of research and education networks that promote literacy, equity and evidence-based policy.
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Academically, Dr. Ruto studied at Kenyatta University before earning a Doctorate (PhD) from Heidelberg University in Germany. Her academic background has supported her work in curriculum reform, grassroots education innovations and international policy development.
Currently, she works with Echidna Giving, a philanthropic organization that supports strategic education grant making. She also serves on the boards of Zizi Afrique Foundation, the Women Educational Researchers of Kenya and other platforms committed to advancing learning.
Her contribution to education has been recognized with national and international honours. She received the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) award from the Kenyan government and was a finalist for the African Education Medal in 2023.
Prof. Githu Muigai, chairman of the Longhorn Publishers board, said Dr. Ruto’s appointment would strengthen the company’s strategic direction in promoting quality education content across the region.
The changes mark an important step for Longhorn Publishers as it seeks to balance shareholder representation with professional leadership in a transforming education sector.
By Benedict Aoya
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