KESSHA Conference Puts Education Reforms, Digital Learning and Mental Wellness in the Spotlight

By Margaret Naishorua

School principals from across Kenya have converged in Mombasa for the 49th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Annual Conference, where key issues shaping the future of education are taking center stage.

The conference, being held at Sheikh Zayed Hall, has brought together school heads, education officials, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities within the education sector.

Among the key areas of discussion are leadership in a rapidly changing education environment, digital transformation in schools, mental wellness among learners and teachers, accountability and transparency in school management, and sustainable financing of education.

Participants are also reviewing the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE), which succeeded the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) following recent reforms aimed at aligning learning with practical skills and competencies.

Speaking during a media briefing, KESSHA Chairperson Willie Kuria said the annual conference offers a vital platform for school leaders to exchange experiences, share best practices, and develop practical solutions to challenges facing schools.

“As KESSHA, we remain committed to supporting quality, inclusive, and transformative education for all learners. We believe this conference will generate valuable and practical recommendations that will strengthen the delivery of CBE and enhance learning outcomes across the country,” said Kuria.

The conference comes at a time when many schools continue to grapple with challenges including inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, delayed disbursement of capitation funds, and the growing demand for digital learning resources.

School leaders have also raised concerns over the increasing number of learners requiring mental health and psychosocial support, underscoring the need for stronger wellness programs within learning institutions.

The week-long event features interactive forums with officials from the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), providing principals with an opportunity to engage directly on education policies, implementation challenges, and sector reforms.

The conference is expected to be officially opened by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and will also be attended by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Principal Secretary for Basic Education Dr. Belio Kipsang. Deliberations from the gathering are expected to inform future education policies and strengthen learning outcomes across the country.