Wilfred Marube, PhD, FPRSK

Earlier today, I had the honor of gracing the inaugural Koitaleel Samoei International Conference at the Mosoriot Campus of Koitaleel University College in Nandi County. The conference underscored the vital role of universities in researching history and serving as custodians of our cultural and historical heritage. Through objective memorialization, such knowledge becomes a cornerstone for shaping our future and national destiny. Later, I visited the institution’s ongoing multi-storey block at the Nandi Hills Campus, which is currently 40% complete and expected to be finished by the end of the year. The event was also graced by the Chancellor of Taita Taveta University, Dr. Sally Kosgei.

I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Honourable Johana Ng’eno, the Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County. Hon. Ng’eno served his constituents with dedication and conviction, and his contribution to public service will be remembered by many. His loss is not only a great blow to the people of Emurua Dikirr, but also to the nation at large. During this difficult time, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the people of Emurua Dikirr Constituency. May they find strength and comfort in the legacy he leaves behind. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

This morning, I delivered a presentation at the 2026 Legislative Retreat for Members of the National Assembly, in Naivasha. The Retreat, presided over by the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Moses Wetangula, provided the opportunity to discuss contemporary education sector issues, including the Grade 10 transition, teacher preparedness, infrastructure development and education sector financing.

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I have today welcomed the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB), George Wanga. I congratulated the new CEO on his appointment and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting KLB in strengthening quality publishing, enhancing educational materials, and advancing literacy across the country.

Today, I had the honour of attending the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit that was chaired by His Excellency the President, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, at State House, Nairobi. The meeting was attended by other Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and County Governors. The Summit provides a high level forum for keeping track on intergovernmental relations and fostering collaboration between the two levels of Government to foster efficient service delivery.

Last evening, I had the honour of attending the 2025 End-of-Year Public Service Reflection Dinner and 2026 Agenda-Setting Retreat at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu. Convened by the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, the forum brought together Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Heads of Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices, Chairs and Chief Executives of State Corporations, Directors-General, senior leadership from Ministries and State Departments, and officers from across the Public Service. The engagement was held under the theme “A highly performing, efficient, effective, and people-centric Public Service.”

Today, I had the honour of joining His Excellency the President @WilliamsRuto for the grant of Charter to Amref International University in Ruiru, Kiambu County. This significant milestone underscores our country’s ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education and reflects the strengthening partnership between the Government and the private sector in promoting quality, relevant, and industry-aligned learning opportunities.

Today, I had the honour of joining His Excellency the President @WilliamsRuto for the grant of Charter to Amref International University in Ruiru, Kiambu County. This significant milestone underscores our country’s ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education and reflects the strengthening partnership between the Government and the private sector in promoting quality, relevant, and industry-aligned learning opportunities.

I have this morning witnessed the opening of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) secure container at the Dagoretti South Deputy County Commissioner’s offices in Nairobi County. I later visited Precious Blood Riruta Girls High School as part of the ongoing nationwide multi-agency monitoring exercise aimed at ensuring the smooth and credible administration of national examinations.

Together with the Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, we have this afternoon witnessed the signing of a Return-to-Work Formula between public universities and university staff unions. The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Jogoo House B offices, marks the end of the industrial action that had been called by UASU, KUSU, and KUDHEIHA. Universities will now resume normal operations, with appropriate measures in place to ensure that students recover lost academic time. Also present was the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Basic Education, Prof. Julius Bitok.

I have this morning witnessed the opening of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) secure container at the Matuga Deputy County Commissioner's Offices in Kwale County, marking the synchronized start of examinations across all sub-counties. I later visited Kwale High School. Today marks the conclusion of the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) for Grade 9 learners and the commencement of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) written examinations.

This evening, I attended a prayer meeting in honour of the late Mama Mary Basweti Nyachae at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi. The late Mary was a daughter of the late Hon. Simeon Nyachae. Among those present were Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, and Hon. Richard Tongi. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

I am profoundly sorrowful as we mourn the untimely passing of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. Raila Odinga is a national icon, a veritable statesman and a selfless and resilient fighter for democracy, freedom, inclusion and unity. For most of his life, he was committed to reshaping Kenya’s socio-economic and political landscape for the better, often at great personal cost, as evidenced by his role in the restoration of multiparty democracy and the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. Beyond Kenya, he was an unabashed Pan-Africanist who envisioned a united, borderless and prosperous African continent. At a personal level, the Rt. Hon. Odinga was a political mentor who offered valuable advice and support to me as I ran for MP in Kitutu Chache North in 2017, and even as I have continued in public life over the years. I extend my deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family and indeed all Kenyans, as we mourn this monumental loss. I pray that the Almighty God grants us all comfort in this painful time. May the soul of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga rest in eternal peace.

The Kenya Kwanza Administration, under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, has consistently underscored the central role of the education sector and teachers in the development of our nation. Through strategic investments in educational infrastructure, the employment of a record number of teachers, and the allocation of resources for retooling and capacity building, the Government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to establishing an efficient and effective education system. This morning, I had the honour of joining His Excellency the President at State House, Nairobi, where he hosted teachers and teacher leaders from across the country for a consultative forum on matters affecting the sector. The forum was also graced by His Excellency the Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok.

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Congratulations to the Harambee Stars on your outstanding victory over Morocco, a proud and inspiring moment for Kenya. Your hard work, determination, and team spirit have filled the nation with pride. #CHAN2024

In the face of financial and infrastructural constraints in many of our institutions, challenges further heightened by rising enrolment, alumni remain an invaluable resource. When properly engaged, schools can leverage alumni networks to mobilise funds for critical needs such as infrastructure and scholarships. Beyond financial contributions, alumni can also extend in-kind support, including professional services, book donations, and games kits. Today, I had the honour of laying the foundation stone for the upgrade of Limbine Primary and Junior School’s infrastructure in Tigania West Constituency, Meru County. The transformative project is spearheaded by the Safaricom Foundation in partnership with the school’s alumni and the area Member of Parliament. The event was graced by the Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Patrick Kilemi; the Deputy Governor of Meru County, H.E. Lindah Gakii Kiome; the Member of Parliament for Tigania West, Hon. John Mutunga; and the Chairperson of Safaricom Foundation, Joseph Ogutu.