Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen will preside over the first-ever Elgeyo-Marakwet Education Conference this Friday at the Lorna Kiplagat Academy in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
The single-day event, which will be attended by Education Minister Julius Migos Ogamba, seeks to inform education stakeholders about Competency Based Education implementation and tackle the issue of declining academic performance across the county’s schools.
The gathering will welcome 2500 participants comprising school heads, student delegates, educators, education officials, teacher union representatives, and prominent professionals from the region.
Organized by the OKM Foundation, this conference marks the first such initiative in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
As stated by the foundation’s patron and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, “The southern regions of Elgeyo-Marakwet County are emerging from years of banditry, leading to a deterioration in educational quality over time. Additional challenges include excessive teacher-student ratios, inadequate facilities particularly the absence of laboratories, and limited advancement to secondary schools and TVET institutions.
“Aligning this county with national educational standards is a pressing priority. No single entity possesses a comprehensive solution to these issues. Consequently, our foundation is convening all relevant parties to determine the most effective approaches to rapidly elevate educational standards.”
Established in 2023, the OKM Foundation supports 200 students annually in educational institutions, conducts mentorship initiatives, and develops sporting talents through tournaments in the North Rift Region.
Prominent education experts and representatives from the Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission will deliver presentations covering various subjects during the conference.
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) will also provide awareness on alcohol and substance abuse to attendees.
Additional conference participants include Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai, Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo, Education PS Julius Bitok, TVET PS Esther Muoria, Woman Rep Caroline Ng’elechei, Speaker Lawi Kibire, Keiyo South M Gideon Kimaiyo, Senator William Kipsang, Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba, Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen, and acting TSC CEO Evaleen Mitei.