Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif has been awarded the 2025 People’s Choice Governor’s Excellence Award, an international recognition for his transformative education reforms that have transformed learning opportunities across Mandera County.
The award, presented during a ceremony in Paris, France, celebrates people-driven leadership and innovation in public service. Governor Khalif was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Issadin Adawa Edo, who accepted the accolade on his behalf.
The honour specifically acknowledges Khalif’s flagship programme, Elimu Kwa Wote, which has significantly improved access to education in Mandera. According to county records, the initiative has reached over 40,000 learners, including 34,372 secondary school students and 5,697 students enrolled in universities and colleges.
Beyond secondary and tertiary education, the county has invested heavily in early childhood development. Under Khalif’s leadership, Mandera recruited 450 ECDE teachers, built 66 new ECDE classrooms, and supplied learning materials and furniture. A school feeding programme was also rolled out to support ECDE learners, many of whom come from vulnerable backgrounds.
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The county government described the award as a validation of Khalif’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of development. “These reforms are not just about infrastructure they’re about dignity, opportunity, and long-term transformation,” the statement read.
The governor had also introduced a 50 percent scholarship scheme for over 1,000 trainee teachers at the Mandera Teachers Training College, and the distribution of start-up kits to graduates from technical and vocational training centres to help them transition into the workforce.
The event, which brings together leaders from Africa and Europe, aims to promote democratic governance and peer learning among public officials. Organisers praised Khalif’s model as one that places citizens at the heart of policy, especially in regions historically underserved by national development efforts.
By Masaki Enock
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