The 48th Annual National Delegates Conference of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) is set to discuss the government’s planned phase-out of the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme, a policy introduced during the late President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
With the country facing tough economic conditions, the potential reintroduction of school fees is expected to be a central topic during the sessions.
This comes in the wake of a significant budget cut to the education sector in the current financial year.
Concerns over the revival of fee payments are likely to overshadow the week-long meeting of school heads at the coastal city.
Sponsored by Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), the annual gathering will again be held at its usual location—Sheikh Zayed Hall in Nyali Constituency, Mombasa County.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is scheduled to officially open this year’s conference, marking his first time presiding over a national meeting of teachers since his appointment to the position. He will serve as the chief guest on the third day.
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Nearly 10,000 school heads are expected to attend the conference, which will focus on addressing critical issues plaguing the education system.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, who will host both delegates and invited guests, is among the key speakers scheduled to appear at the opening and closing ceremonies.
This year’s theme is “Embracing Pathways in Senior School Education,” in line with the ongoing transition into Competency-Based Education.
According to a provisional programme shared with the media, Treasury and Economic Planning CS John Mbadi is among those scheduled to speak on the opening day.
Outgoing Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia will also address participants a day after the conference begins, before heading for her leave and retirement. She is expected to speak on the role of teachers and education stakeholders in implementing senior school pathways.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Bare Duale will engage school principals on the second day with a presentation titled “Strengthening School Health Systems for a Healthier Nation: The Role of School Leadership in Advancing the SHA Agenda.”
To close the week-long conference, Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Julius Migos Ogamba will address two critical issues—the stalled hiring of 40,000 out of the projected 100,000 teachers and ongoing insecurity in the North Rift that threatens student safety.
By Joseph Mambili
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