Nairobi to hold major education conference in June

Africa’s education players will convene in Nairobi for two days to explore new ways to improve the education system on the continent as the Ministry of Education continues to push for the harmonization of university courses, distribute learning tablets to schools and implementing the new curriculum,

The Education Innovation Africa 2016 to be held on 7^th -8^th June in Nairobi will seek to deliver transformational and sustainable education businesses as well as collaborative approaches with African governments.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Executive Director  Dr Julius Jwan said that the government is looking for new practices in the education business.

“The conference aims at deliberating upon new practices in the education business that would fast track efficacy in service delivery and build stronger collaboration in the education and training sectors.  I note with appreciation that this forum will bring together eminent persons from both the public and private sectors; including national and county  government representatives, educators, investors, financiers, entrepreneurs and solution providers who have either contributed or shown interest in sharing emerging trends in policy and practice of education and training,” said Dr. Jwan.

Dr. Jwan added that providing universal primary education for children is part of the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals #4, which objective is to promote inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Running in its second year, Education Innovation Africa is a forum focused on developing innovative partnership models to improve education delivery in Sub-Saharan Africa, with particular focus on East Africa. Bringing together Ministries, investors, innovators, educators and solution providers, the event promotes and facilitates private sector engagement in improving education outcomes in early years, K-12, higher and further education.

Recently, the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report for 2014-15 ranked Kenya 1^st in Africa on the quality of education and 30^th globally –out of 144 countries.

“It is a testament to our high standards, reflecting our high expectations as a people, that we want to do more still. It is not enough to be number One in Africa. We must be able to become even better educated, more competitive, more driven to have the ability to attract the world’s cutting edge industries and investments in our economy. It is also part of our Nationalist Covenant to eliminate ignorance. We cannot compromise or reverse the gains we have made so far. And this is why we have taken swift and stern action against those involved in the corrupting of our examination system,” added Dr. Jwan.

Speakers participating in the event will also discuss opportunities available in the region.

They include Gregg Alpert of Pearson Affordable Learning Fund, Biju Mohandas of the International Finance Corporation, Vineet Bewtra of Omidyar Network, Julia Moffett, Director of Innovation at Equity Group Foundation.

Kenyan education investors Ayisi Makatyani of Fanisi Capital and Anthony Wahome of AG International Limited, and Nairobi County Education Executive member Christopher Khaemba will be among the speakers and moderators at the conference.