26th - 28th August 2025 | The University of Embu
Time | Session | Session Title | Lead Facilitator | |
8:30- 9:00 | Accreditation of participants | Registration desk | Registration Team | |
| SESSION 1: Welcome and Introductions | |||
9:00-9:30 | 1a: Introduction and remarks by conference partners: Dr. Ciriaka Gitonga, EDF-K and University of Embu Dr. Moses Ngware, EE4A Co-chair, APHRC Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru, Vice Chancellor, University of Embu CECM Education, County Government of Embu | Welcome to the University of Embu, Introductions and Remarks by Conference co-chairs and hosts | Dr. John Mugo, EE4A Secretariat, Zizi Afrique Foundation (ZAF) Distiller: Sharon Aduda, Dr. Lilian Omoke | |
9.30-10.00 | Health break | |||
10.00-1.00 | SESSION 2: Pre-conferences Parallel Sessions: Centering the Voices of Educators | |||
| 2a: Old Admin Board Room: KIX-Unlocking Data Initiative (UDI) | What we learnt from the increasing use and users of data initiative
| Dr. Laté Lawson, ESSA & Dr. Charles Gachoki, ZAF Distiller: Karen Arisa & Dr. Timothy Bariu | |
2b: Guest HSE Board room: Teacher Agency and Voice | Elevating Teacher Voices: Education Systems Transformation for meaningful and inclusive learning opportunities.
| Ng’ang’a Kibandi, Nancy Gikandi (Dignitas), Alice Wekesa, British Council and Dr. Mary Chepkemoi, ZAF Distiller: Fridah Kiambati | ||
2c: Charter Hall: Education Deans Forum | Transforming Teacher Education Curriculum: The Journey | Prof Hildah Omae, Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) Distiller: Dr. Benson Mwangi, MKU | ||
2d: Auditorium 1: Foundational Learning | Bridging Research, Innovation, and Classroom Practice to Improve Foundational Learning | Virginia Ngindiru, ZAF and Dr. Domnick Okullo, ESSA Distiller: Leah Nguata, ZAF & Dr. Eunice Kangangi | ||
2e: Auditorium 2: Edtech | Tech-Powered Teachers: Driving Progress on Teachers’ Digital Capacity through Kenya’s 2021 ICT in Education & Training Policy | Faith Mbushi, Ed-Tech Hub, & Kawira Gikambi (MoE) Distiller: Ms. Anastacia Maitha Kyalo & Dr. Judy Makira | ||
2f: Computer Lab: What Works Hub Global Education | Strengthening the Evidence Ecosystem: Building a Roadmap for Education Reform in Kenya. | Deborah Kimathi, LGI, Mukami Kowino & Eric Nyamwaro, British Council Distiller: Pheliciah Mwachofi, IPA & Dr Florence Kaumi | ||
1:00-2:00 | Lunch Break | |||
| SESSION 3: Positioning Evidence and Collaborations | |||
Time | Session | Session Title | Facilitator and Distiller | |
2.00 – 2.10 | 3a: Dr. John Mugo, EE4A Secretariat, ZAF | Welcome Remarks by EE4A Co-Chair | Dr. Suleiman Mwangi
Distiller: Ms. Caroline Mwangi | |
2:10–2.40 | 3b: Dr. Kilemi Mwiria, Education.Org | Empowering Change: Leveraging Data for Education Reform and National Development through University Engagement | ||
2.40-3.00 | 3c: Prof. Laban Ayiro, Vice Chancellor, Daystar University | How can learning poverty be reduced in the face of devolution? Which jurisdictions can we borrow from? | Prof Owen Ngumi/Dr Suleiman Mwangi Distillers: Mr. Dickens Ngicho, Dr. Mary Chepkemoi, ZAF | |
3:00–3:30 | 3d: Hon. Cecily Mutitu Mbarire, Governor, Embu County | The role of Embu County in supporting education and an appreciation of universities as research and innovation centers in achieving equitable and inclusive education for all. | Dr. Peter Rugano (UoEM) Distiller: Dr Prisila Njoki (KCA University | |
3.30–4:15 | 3e: Pre-conference sharing back to the plenary | Distillers share key highlights from breakaway sessions | Maurice Mutisya, ZAF | |
4:15–4:30 | 3f: Vote of Thanks and departure | Prof Hildah Omae, MUST | ||
| SESSION 4: Opening Ceremony | ||
7:00-7.30 | 4a: Arrival of participants and Registration | Registration Team | |
7.30-8:00 | 4b: Arrival of Chief Guest and entertainment | Dr. Margaret Otolo, Registrar, VC office, University of Embu | |
8:00-8:15
| 4c: National Anthem, East Africa Anthem and Opening Prayer and Entertainment Rev. Dr. Mary Nkari, Opening Prayer, University of Embu
|
Dr. Moses Ngware, APHRC & EE4A Co-Chair & Darius Mogaka, MoE
Distillers: Dr. Hezron Mogaka, Dr. Kirema Nkanata
| |
8:15-8:25 | 4d: Remarks by: Dr. Moses Ngware, APHRC & EE4A Co-Chair
Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga, University of Embu & EDF-K | ||
8:25-8:40 | 4e: H.E Justus Kinyua Mugo, Deputy Governor, County Government of Embu | ||
8:45-9.00 | 4f: Prof. Daniel Mugendi, Vice Chancellor, University of Embu | ||
9:00-9:45 | 4g: Cabinet Secretary of Education, Ministry of Education Official opening
| ||
9:45-10:00 | 4h: Media Briefing and a Group Photo
| Collins Otieno, ZAF, Maurice Murimi, University of Embu | |
10:00-10:30 | Health Break | ||
10:30-11.00 | 4i: Signing of visitors’ book and tree planting |
| |
| SESSION 5: Keynote Speeches | ||
10:30-10:50 | 5a: Prof. Peter Barasa, Vice Chancellor, Alupe University
| How can the classroom influence and be influenced by teacher education in Kenya
| Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga, University of Embu
Distiller: Dr. Charles Gachoki, ZAF |
10.50-11.30 | 5b: Prof. Kwame Akyeampong, GEEAP, Guest Keynote speaker
| Teacher training and the use of evidence for a competence-based world
| |
11:30-11:50 | 5c: The use of Evidence to inform teaching and learning
Peter Tabichi, Teacher of the Year
Margaret Khainga, Kenya Teachers Colleges Principals Association | How well does the Kenyan Teacher use evidence to improve teaching and learning? How can this situation be improved? | Dr. Moses Ngware
Distillers: Dr. Pamela Karambu, MKSU & Dr Gideon Kasivu, SEKU |
11.50-12.00 | Q&A session | Interactions with keynote speakers and questions, and answers | Dr. Lucy Wakiaga, APHRC
Distillers: Ms. Lydia Muriithi & Dr. Hosea Kiplagat, UoELD |
12.00-1.00 | 5d: Harnessing Education Research for Impact – Africa
Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga, Dr. Moses Ngware, Prof. Kuria, Mike and Dr. John Mugo | The HERI Concept and Validating the National Education Research Agenda | Dr. Emmanuel Manyasa, Usawa Agenda
Distillers: Dr. Laté Lawson & Nancy Gikandi, Dignitas |
1.00-1.15 | Announcements and guide to the parallel sessions directives |
| Nyambura Thiong’o, RELI |
1:15- 2:15 | Lunch Break | ||
| SESSION 6: Parallel Session Evidence Sharing | ||
2:15-5.30 | 6a: Charter Hall: Teacher Education Policy
Session Chair: Prof Hilda Omae, Meru University of Science and Technology
Session Distiller: Dr Florah Fedha, Egerton University | 1. Enhancing Digital Literacy in CBE: Rethinking Teacher Education for Sustainable Learning in Kenya (Jesse Mabongah) 2. Teacher Education Policy on the Use of Language Learning Digital Multimodal Tools in Kenyan Junior Secondary Schools (Jackton Otieno) 3. Teachers’ Lived Experiences with the Implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum at the Junior Secondary School Level in Kenya (Nelson Muhia) 4. Enhancing Teaching Practice through Structured Mentorship: Insights from a South African Model for Kenyan Teacher Education Policy (Amani Karisa) 5. Scaling Equitable Literacy Training: Cascade-Model Evidence for Inclusive (Leah Nguata, Salome Ong’ele) 6. From Peacebuilding to Pedagogy: A Conflict-Sensitive Framework for Teacher Education Reform in Northern Kenya. (Bidu Ibrahim) | Prof Benjamin K. Wambua, OUK
Dr Flora Fedha
Brian Mulonzi, University of Embu
|
2:15-5.30 | 6b: Nursing Lecture Hall: Teacher Education Curriculum and Approaches
Session Chair: Deborah Kimathi- LGI
Session Distiller: Dr. Joseph Kirugua, Tharaka University | 1. Transforming Chemistry Education Through Inquiry-Based Learning: Strengthening Student Self-Efficacy (Christine Mueni Nzomo, Dr. Peter Rugano, Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga, Dr. Dominic Kitavi) 2. African Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Normative Teacher Training for Competency-Based School Environment in Kenya.(Justina Syonthi Ndaita) 3. Using TPACK for Educational Technology Integration in English Teaching: How Prepared are Kenyan Pre-Service Teachers? (Franklin Nyairo, Prof. Raili Hilden) 4. Unlocking Metacognition: Reimagining Math Teacher Education in Kenyan Secondary Schools (Dr. Ruth Nanjekho Wafubwa) 5. A Review of Teacher Education in Mother Tongue Instruction and Its Impact on Literacy in Kenya’s Lower Primary Schools (Dr. Moindi Rose Meroka, Prof. Benard O. Nyatuka) 6. Teacher Professional Development and Student Outcomes: Evidence-Based Approaches (Jemima Okal) | Dr Joseph Kirugua, Tharaka University
&
Dr Rose Burugu, University of Embu
|
2:15-5.30 | 6c: Guest HSE Board Room: Institutional Leadership for Curriculum Delivery
Session Chair: Ng’ang’a Kibandi (Dignitas)
| 1. Dynamics of middle tier support in the South African education system: Contextual and institutional influences (Deborah Kimathi) 2. Leading through the storm: Exploring key qualities for principals in times of crisis (Dr. Lucy Wakiaga) 3. A Donor Perspective on Institutional Leadership and Curriculum Delivery (Nicholas Wechuli) 4. Transformational leaders leading learning for gender equality: A success case study of Homa Bay and Machakos Counties in Kenya (Mercy Munialo) 5. Shaping Transformational Instructional Leaders in Early Childhood Education: A Reflection on the “Foundation for Learning” Course Impact Across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania (Maina Gioko, Rebecca Mong’ina) 6. Empowering Institutional Leadership for Curriculum Leadership: A Pathway to Sustainable Teacher Education in Kenya (Lavender Achieng Ndire) | Ciku Mbugua, Ed-Tech Hub
Dr. Michael Gachahi, Karatina University
|
2:15-5.30 | 6d: Auditorium 2: Foundational Learning 1
Session Chair: Dr Eva Nderu, EmpowerED Strategies.
| 1. Bridging the Gap: Evaluating Parental Empowerment Initiatives in Kenya (Ms. Caroline Wanjiku, Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga, Dr. Collins Asweto) 2. Integrating Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning in Junior School Curricula: A Philosophical Inquiry into Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (Prof. Mercy Mugambi; Dr. Jared Momanyi Mauti) 3. Re-imagining Education in Kenya: Reforming teacher education for sustainable development (Charles Gachoki, Maurice Mutisya) 4. Empowering school leaders for sustainable FLN programs: A cross-country, tech-enabled model (Abraham Okumba ) 5. Data-Driven Advocacy for Foundational Learning: Advancing Education Reform for Sustainable Development in Kenya (Paul Abok) 6. Understanding poor performance in numeracy: Cognitive conflict as a predictor of poor performance in foundational learning (Okach Dickens Ngicho, Dr. Simon Karuku, Dr. Mungai Njoroge) | Sis Dr Justina Ndaita, Kisii University
&
Victor Saoke, University of Embu
|
2:15-5.30 | 6e: Auditorium 1: Foundational Learning 2
Session Chair: Dr. Emmanuel Manyasa, Usawa Agenda | 1. Re-Imagining Education in Kenya: Reforming Teacher Education for Sustainable Development (Jemima Okal) 2. Leveraging Scenario-Based Learning to Strengthen Foundational Life Skills: Evidence from the Do-It-Yourself Learning Immersion in Kenya. (Vollan Ochieng) 3. Support for Learners with Reading Difficulties Through Structured Intervention and Teacher Capacity Building. (Fridah Kiambati, Nelson Muhia) 4. Laying the Digital Foundation: A Baseline on ICT Readiness in Kenya’s Teacher Training College. (Gilbert Ebole, Dr. John Paul Oyore) 5. Leveraging Technology for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (Muthoni Njeru, Chebet Seluget) | Dr Lydiah Chege, ZAF
&
Prof Lucy Ndegwa, KARU |
5:30 | Health Break | ||
7.00-10.00 | Policy Dinner Hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, University of Embu | ||
| Session | Session details | Lead Facilitator |
| SESSION 7: Round Table Discussions | ||
7:00 – 8:00 | Arrival of guests |
| Registration Team |
7.00 – 8.30 | 7a: Partnerships in Foundational Learning | Young people supporting FLN in Kenya, a breakfast meeting event. | Samwel Mwayi, GRIC & Nyambura Thiongo, RELI
Distiller: Mercy Munialo |
8:30- 8.45 | 7b: Recap day 1 | A quick summary of the previous day’s activities and outcomes | Dr. Charles Gachoki, ZAF |
8.45 -9.45
| 7c: Charter Hall: Key stakeholders panel session- GEEAP/LGI, TSC, PS or DG, MoE, VC Alupe University, World Bank, UNICEF, CEMASTEA | How can evidence support policies that ensure teacher education influences classroom practice in Kenya?
| Dr. Lucy Wakiaga, APHRC
Distillers: Prof Ann Syomwene, Moi University; Dr Addero Wilson, Dedan Kimathi University |
9.45-10.45 | 7d: Plenary Round Table 1: Charter Hall: Teacher Education Policy
| Setting strategic goals to achieve in the years 2025-27, what do we need to take forward? | Dr. Flora Fedha, Egerton University
Distillers: Dr. Benson Kanyingi & Dr. Elizabeth Obura |
9.45-10.45 | 7e: Plenary Round Table 2: Computer Lab: Foundational Learning
| Jemimah Okal, IPA
Distiller: Dr. Simon Karuku, University of Embu | |
10.45-11.15 | Health Break | ||
11:15-12:15 | 7f: Plenary Round Table 3:
Guest HSE Board Room: Institutional Leadership for Curriculum Delivery
| Setting strategic goals to achieve in the years 2025-27, what do we need to take forward? | Ng’ang’a Kibandi, Dignitas
Distillers: Dr. Seth Omonya & Dr. Johnson Masinde, University of Embu |
11:15-12:15 | 7g: Plenary Round Table 4: Old Admin Board Room: Teacher Education Curriculum and Approaches | Deborah Kimathi (LGI) Distillers: Mr. Dickens Ngicho & Dr. Zachary Njagi, University of Embu | |
12:15 – 1:30 | 7h: Reporting by subthemes priority Areas: 1. Teacher education policy (Dr. Lucy Wakiaga) 2. Teacher education curriculum and approaches (Deborah Kimathi) 3. Institutional leadership (Ng’ang’a Kibandi) 4. Foundational learning (Jemimah Okal) 5. Pre-conferences: centering educator voices (Maurice Mutisya) | Distillers share high level findings, invite participants to join what key teams are already working on (how can we better connect)
| Dr. Irene Nyamu, RELI
Distillers: Dr. Lydia Chege, Dr. Elizabeth Khalili, Rongo & Prof. J Chepkwony
|
1:30-2:30 | Lunch Break | ||
| SESSION 8: Closing Ceremony | ||
2:30-3:30 | 8a: Closing Ceremony Way forward from Co-chairs, Dr Moses Ngware & Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga
Vice Chancellor, University of Embu and Invited Guests |
| EE4A Secretariat:
Dr. Lydia Chege, ZAF & Maurice Mutisya, ZAF |
4.00-7.00 | SESSION 9: Excursion/tour of Embu (for participants who have to signed for the exercise) / Travelling back | ||