The just-concluded election of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association Cemented the rotational leadership and negotiated democracy, which ensured wider regional representation. In this dispensation, a key position in the association has been handed to the hitherto underrepresented North Eastern Region.
North Eastern Region’s Milestone
Abdi Noor Haji, the principal of Sabunde Boys Secondary School in Wajir County, has been elected as the KESSHA National Secretary. His election was based on a mixed but well-coordinated proposal by North Eastern KESSHA Regional Chairman and Chairman of Mandera County, Ali Hassan Ali, seconded by Wajir Chairman Kullow Hassan. This win was a very important milestone in giving the North Eastern Region a strong voice in national education leadership.
Key Positions and Regional Representation
- National Secretary: Abdi Noor Haji, North Eastern Region
- Assistant National Secretary: Omar Mwanahamisi, Coast Region (proposed by Taita Taveta and Kilifi County chairpersons)
- Assistant National Organizing Secretary: Albert Masiolo Khalwale, Western Region (proposed by Busia and Bungoma County chairpersons)
- National Organizing Secretary: Florence Muthoni, Nairobi Region (proposed by Nairobi Regional and Embakasi chairpersons)
- National Treasurer: Joyce Omondi, Nyanza Region (proposed by Homabay and Nyamira County chairpersons)
- Assistant National Treasurer: Julius Mutwii, Eastern Region (proposed by Tharaka Nithi and Embu County chairpersons)
- National Vice Chairperson: Elyas Kipkoech Cheruyot, Rift Valley Region (proposed by Cornelius Sigei, Rift Valley and Bomet County Chair)
- National Chairperson: Willie Kuria Mwangi, Central Kenya (proposed by Central Kenya delegates)
Election Process and Outcomes
The elections, which were negotiation based rather than competitive, were carried out on the first day of the KESSHA conference in Mombasa. All candidates were unopposed, meaning that the delegates all agreed on them. The voting process was presided over by Dr. Reuben Nthamburi and Antonina Lentoijoni from the TSC, and Sigei from the MoE.
Future Prospects
In an acceptance speech, the new National Chairperson, Willie Kuria, called for adequate funding of schools and promotion of school heads. Kuria reiterated the commitment of the association to continued engagement with the Ministry of Education on how best to improve financial support to schools and how challenges facing learning institutions could be addressed.
Commitment to Regional Representation
This new structure of leadership confirms rotational leadership, whereby KESSHA ensures that different regions have an opportunity to lead and contribute at the national level in terms of educational policy and practice. It is also a consultative approach to huge disparities and enhancing equitable representation in all parts of Kenya.