Leaders in Homa Bay County have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the education sector, calling for closer collaboration between national and county governments.
Speaking at the Kenya Comprehensive School Heads Association (KECSHA) conference held at Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education Martin Opere, praised teachers for their dedication and impact on society, describing them as central to the county’s development.
Drawing from his own background in education, Opere emphasized the pride the county holds in its educators and their achievements.
“We are proud of you. Your work continues to shape lives and strengthen our society,” he said, noting that many teachers are employed under the Homa Bay County government due to sustained investment in education.
Opere also highlighted the importance of partnerships, urging stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission to work together to advance learning outcomes. He commended the county leadership for fostering cooperation across sectors.
The event was attended by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Deputy Governor Dannish Onyango, alongside education officials and school heads from across the Nyanza region.
In his remarks, the newly nominated Deputy Governor, underscored the critical role teachers’ play in shaping all professions, arguing that education remains the foundation of national development.
“Even doctors are taught by teachers,” he said, calling for continued collaboration between educators and the county government to improve learning environments and outcomes.
Wanga, on her part outlined her administration’s vision of transforming both the education sector and the county at large.
She noted significant progress in infrastructure development, including the construction of hundreds of classrooms in recent years. “We have moved from building just a handful of classrooms over a decade to delivering hundreds within a few years. This reflects our commitment to education,” she said.
The governor emphasized that while access to education has improved, challenges remain in foundational learning, particularly in literacy and numeracy among early-grade learners.
She called for renewed focus on quality education, stressing that access alone is not enough.
Wanga also highlighted several county initiatives, including scholarship programs for high-performing students and vocational training support for school leavers.
She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to working with national institutions to strengthen teacher training and curriculum implementation under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Beyond education, the Governor painted an ambitious vision for Homa Bay’s future, projecting the town’s transformation into a major urban center within the next decade.
She encouraged visiting delegates to explore local attractions such as the lakefront and nearby islands, citing tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
The conference comes shortly after Kenya hosted Africa’s first continental meeting on foundational learning, reinforcing the country’s commitment to ensuring that all children acquire basic skills by the age of ten.
The leaders echoed this goal, calling for stronger systems, improved resource allocation and deeper collaboration across all levels of government. The county leadership further pledged continued support for education.
by Sitna Omar
