The Kenya Primary School Headteachers Association (KEPSHA) has relocated officially from its cradle home on the 5th floor of Tembo House in Nairobi’s Central Business District, to new state-of-the-heart premises on the second floor of Next Gen Mall Suite 9 along Mombasa Road.
The magnificent new home, occupying the better part of that floor, comes hot on the heels of the launch of its 2024-2028 Strategic Plan that concurred with the 20-year celebrations having been incepted in 2023.
It consists of a well-furnished office for the National Chairman, particularly spruced up to suit that purpose and allow for effective conduct of high level engagements like hosting dignitaries, delegations and other VIP guests on both official and informal visits.
Next to this is a modern Board Room equally furnished with elegant chairs and tables, with walls adorned with photographs of the founder, former and current National Chairman Johnson Nzioka, who is also the head teacher of Donholm Primary School in Nairobi.
This is where the association’s critical meetings, notably the National Executive (NEC) and National Governing Council (NGC), will be held with ease and convenience, prudently saving on costs related to booking spaces in hotels and other commercial spaces as has been the case before.
The ambience is further magnified by convenient and expanded offices for the Secretariat Staff led by the able Chief Administrative Officer and Head of KEPSHA Secretariat Rebecca Otieno.
Alongside her are Caroline Sila, Head of Communication and in charge of projects, Kennedy Oduor the Accountant, and Winnie Mumbi the Head of Customer Care Service, all of whom are happy to have the ample working space that has been created.
The reception is hospitably designed to let visitors have a feel of what to expect beyond the corridors where they will soon be ushered through to be served. It is furnished with a large flat screen TV and high speed Wi-Fi network to remain connected as they wait.
The 5-year plan
In its commitment to continuously enhance the competencies of school administrators through equipping them with essential skills, knowledge and capabilities required for effective leadership, KEPSHA plans to enhance the ability of school heads to adapt to evolving educational landscapes and promote continuous improvements in the quality of primary education.
This is where the 5-year strategic plan comes in, whose aim is primarily to work with like-minded organizations to move to the next level.
It has strategized to achieve this through fostering discussions with local and international educational organizations for cross-institutional and collaborative learning, and providing relevant and ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance the administrative skills and pedagogical knowledge of primary school heads.
It also plans to enhance the welfare and wellness of its members through actively prioritizing programmes that focus on this mandate. Basically, this means cultivating a supportive environment and fostering a sense of belonging within the association where members feel valued and empowered.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
Part of this core vision will be made possible through establishing welfare initiatives and support programmes, as well as strengthening affirmative action initiatives to effectively address gender, special needs and other disparities.
It also targets to expand its networks by strengthening strategic partnerships with various education stakeholders to build a robust knowledge exchange and facilitate continuous learning. The view is to harness collective expertise and resources to expand outreach and foster mutual co-creation, innovation and sustainable growth.
This will be realized through strengthening cross-border and cross-sectoral interactions on education matters, and also enhancing community engagements and partnerships to drive positive change in primary education.
It further plans to actively engage with policymakers, stakeholders and relevant institutions to conduct advocacy with the aim of influencing improvements in educational policy and programmes, which are crucial for promoting equitable access to quality education for all learners.
Quality inclusive education
In the next five years, the association will advocate for the implementation of a Quality Primary Education (QPE) programme and strengthening of KEPSHA representation in the sector so that the interests and concerns of head teachers are effectively championed.
In promoting equitable access and inclusive primary education, KEPSHA further plans to create safe, protective and conducive learning spaces that foster the all-round physical, mental, emotional and social development of all learners, adopt holistic education strategies that cultivate values and essential social skills in addition to classroom-based learning, and empower teachers to implement innovative teaching practices.
Consequently, this will go a long way in supporting the government’s efforts to eliminate barriers to access to education and its resources, promote cultural responsiveness, and cultivate an inclusive environment where all learners, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities and identities, can flourish and realize their full potential.
In the blueprint is also a plan to establish a robust institutional framework aimed at ensuring stability and effective decision-making coupled with execution of planned programmes – the primary focus being strengthening governance, operational processes, and human and financial resources with a view to enhancing efficiency, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainability.
The overriding tone is to improve the association’s efficiency and effectiveness, strengthen communication and branding, diversify revenue streams and foster financial management, enhance research and innovation capabilities, and build a culture of accountability.
By Roy Hezron
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
