KEMI conference pushes for transformative leadership in education

Prof Anne Ndiritu, Associate Dean at the University of Nairobi Faculty of Education gives her address at the inaugural KEMI International Conference 2026 /HANDOUT

Speakers at the inaugural KEMI International Conference 2026 have called on leaders across sectors to embrace transformative leadership, emphasising that the future of education in Kenya depends on bold, inclusive, and practical approaches.

The conference, held at Safari Park Hotel, brought together educators, policymakers, and private sector players to deliberate on strengthening leadership in the education sector under the theme of equity, resilience, and inclusion.

Delivering one of the keynote addresses, Prof Anne Ndiritu, Associate Dean at the University of Nairobi Faculty of Education, challenged leaders to rethink their roles beyond traditional boundaries.

“For Kenya to lead the charge in education, leadership must move beyond the chalkboard,” she said. “We must begin to see the school system not just as a place of instruction, but as a holistic ecosystem that requires coordinated support.”

Prof Ndiritu stressed that achieving meaningful reforms would require collaboration between government, educators, and the private sector, urging businesses to play a more active role in shaping the future of learning.

“The private sector must step up to provide the physical and professional scaffolding for this new era of education,” she added.

The conference also spotlighted the role of corporate leadership in driving excellence and shaping values.

Antony Makau, Group CEO of Semara Hotels, described the hospitality industry as a practical training ground for leadership and accountability.

“Leadership is about creating an environment where excellence is the only option,” Makau said during a break-out session.

He noted that hospitality spaces can serve as “living laboratories” where discipline, professionalism, and service standards are cultivated daily. Under his leadership, Semara Hotels has embraced international quality standards, positioning itself as a model for excellence and inclusion.

“At Semara, every staff member is a teacher of professionalism, and every stay is an educational journey in sustainability and refined service,” he said, adding that such environments can reinforce the values educators seek to instill in learners.

Semara Hotels Group CEO Antony Makau remarks at the inaugural KEMI International Conference 2026 /HANDOUT

However, discussions at the conference also highlighted the structural challenges facing education, particularly in underserved areas.

Speakers noted that without basic infrastructure, even the best leadership models cannot succeed.

Charles Mutua, Head of Operations at Almak Aqua Drillers Group, underscored the importance of access to water as a foundational pillar of learning.

“You cannot lead a school that has no water,” Mutua said, drawing attention to the realities faced by institutions in water-scarce regions.

“Water is the resource for prosperity,” he added. “When we drill a borehole in a school, we are not just providing water—we are enabling education, dignity, and opportunity.”

Mutua explained that reliable water supply reduces absenteeism, especially among students who would otherwise spend hours searching for water. He also pointed out that access to water has a significant impact on the safety and well-being of girls.

“Reliable water means students stay in class instead of walking miles to a river, and girls, in particular, gain the dignity and safety they need to thrive,” he said.