MOMBASA, Kenya, June 25 — Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei has officially opened the 49th Annual Conference of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) in Mombasa, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Speaking during the conference, Koskei hailed the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system as a transformative approach that equips learners with both academic knowledge and practical skills necessary for the future job market.

He said the education reforms are aimed at nurturing creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills among learners, enabling them to thrive beyond classroom examinations.

Koskei noted that the government has intensified investment in school infrastructure to support the rollout of CBC across the country.

According to the Head of Public Service, more than 23,000 classrooms have already been constructed nationwide to accommodate learners under the new education system. He added that the government has continued to ensure timely disbursement of capitation funds to facilitate smooth learning operations in schools.

The Chief of Staff further urged school administrators to strengthen psychological support systems by prioritising guidance and counselling programmes for both learners and teachers.

He emphasised that mental wellness is critical in improving academic performance, productivity and the overall well-being of students and staff.

Koskei also called on public servants to adopt a proactive approach in driving Kenya’s transformation agenda and improving service delivery to wananchi.

The conference brought together key education stakeholders, including Principal Secretary for Basic Education John Ololtuaa, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Members of Parliament, officials from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), KESSHA leaders and representatives from teachers’ unions, including KNUT and KUPPET.

The annual KESSHA conference provides a platform for school heads and education stakeholders to deliberate on policy matters, education reforms and emerging challenges affecting the education sector in Kenya.