Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba has pointed out that education will remain the most powerful tool to address hate speech and promote peace and social cohesion.
In a speech read on his behalf by director general (DG) for Basic education Dr. Elias Abdi on Thursday during United Nation Educational Scientific and Culture Organization (UNESCO) meeting in Nairobi pointed out that hate speech is sharply rising in the country.
The CS highlighted the central role of education in shaping informed, responsible and ethical citizens.
He emphasized that Kenya’s education system is not only focused on imparting academic knowledge but also on cultivating critical thinking, character development and digital literacy among learners.
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“Our education system aims at not only imparting knowledge, but also fostering character and cultivating citizens who are able to navigate information critically, and to communicate ethically, even in online spaces,” the CS said.
The CS commended the 2023 UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, International Understanding, Cooperation, Fundamental Freedoms, Global Citizenship, and Sustainable Development, describing it is a timely and transformative framework.
“This global instrument offers education systems a clear framework for empowering individuals at all stages of life with the skills, values and knowledge they need not only for personal growth but also for promoting social cohesion and tolerance,” he added.
The CS pointed out the need for deliberate efforts to counter the spread of hate speech, especially among youth who are increasingly engaged on digital platforms.
He noted that media and information literacy must be prioritized in national curricula and public education campaigns as a means of equipping citizens with the tools to identify, challenge and respond to misinformation and harmful content responsibly.
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The high level regional workshop brought together policymakers, education experts, communication specialists and civil society actors from across Eastern Africa UNESCO sub- region to deliberate on practical and policy oriented solutions to the rising challenge of hate speech and misinformation, especially among youth and in online platforms.
The delegates explored ways to strengthen teacher training, develop context-sensitive learning materials and promote regional cooperation in line with UNESCO’s global education agenda.
The workshop underscored Kenya’s regional leadership in advancing education for peace and its unwavering commitment to implementing international standards and recommendations in the national education framework.
By Obegi Malack
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