By Douglas Ogari
- Ogamba’s strategic vision and problem-solving abilities have garnered him respect and appreciation, making him an obvious candidate for a leadership position in the public sector.
- Kenya has seen effective tenures of non-educators at the Ministry of Education. Notably, the late Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof. George Magoha, who had a medical background, made substantial contributions to the area.
- Ogamba’s vision is consistent with the Ministry of Education’s overall goals, which are to guarantee that every child receives a high-quality education that prepares them for future challenges.
Many observers were surprised and interested by Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba’s selection as Cabinet Secretary for Education.
The announcement indicated a bold move toward a new viewpoint in the Ministry of Education, led by a seasoned professional whose commitment to education has been clear throughout his career.
As the country eagerly awaits his tenure, it is critical to analyse Ogamba’s qualifications and possible influence, especially in light of the continuing discussion over whether a non-educationist can effectively run the ministry.
Julius Migosi Ogamba is a refined professional with extensive experience in law and public administration. As an advocate, Ogamba has nearly three decades of expertise delivering high-quality legal assistance in a variety of industries.
His time as Chairman of the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) Board demonstrates his leadership and administrative abilities.
KenGen successfully negotiated several hurdles while adhering to legal and regulatory norms. Ogamba’s strategic vision and problem-solving abilities have garnered him respect and appreciation, making him an obvious candidate for a leadership position in the public sector.
Ogamba’s professional experience is not confined to legal work. His experience in public administration has provided him with a thorough understanding of policymaking and institutional management.
These experiences will be crucial as he takes on the role of Cabinet Secretary for Education, which requires him to navigate complex bureaucracy and implement policies affecting millions of students across the country.
Advocate for Education
Ogamba’s passion for education is not new. Since 2015, he has led educational advocacy through the Hon. Migos Ogamba Foundation. The foundation was founded in response to a 2014 survey that revealed high school dropout rates, which were mostly due to financial restrictions.
This revelation strongly moved Ogamba, inspiring him to act. The organisation has since financed higher and tertiary education for over 600 students from low-income, orphaned, and disadvantaged households, allowing them to complete their studies without financial constraints.
Ogamba’s involvement with the foundation demonstrates his conviction in education as a means for social mobility and empowerment. His efforts are consistent with Article 43.1.f of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which provides every child the right to a free and compulsory education.
Ogamba’s leadership in this area illustrates his commitment to building an inclusive education system that provides equal opportunities for all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
The appointment of a non-educationist, such as Ogamba, to manage the Ministry of Education has stirred discussion among stakeholders. Critics believe that having an educational background is necessary for grasping the sector’s intricacies.
However, a closer look indicates that effective educational leadership does not always necessitate a formal academic degree. Former Civil Service Head Francis Kimemia expressed this view, saying, “It’s not always about having a background in the field, but having the passion and leadership to drive change.”
A comparison of global education systems lends credence to this viewpoint. Many countries with strong educational institutions do not have educationists in charge of their ministries.
For example, Finland’s Education Minister, Anders Adlercreutz, has an architecture degree; Germany’s Bettina Stark-Watzinger, an economics degree; Denmark’s Mattias Tesfaye, a bricklayer by profession; and Australia’s Jason Clare, a law graduate.
These leaders contribute a variety of perspectives to their positions, illustrating that good educational leadership crosses professional backgrounds.
Kenya has seen effective tenures of non-educators at the Ministry of Education. Notably, the late Cabinet Secretary for Education Prof. George Magoha, who had a medical background, made substantial contributions to the area.
Reforms aimed at improving educational quality and access were implemented throughout his term. Similarly, Hon. Julius Migosi Ogamba’s legal and administrative background gives him the ability to navigate the complexities of the ministry and adopt policies that promote equity and diversity.
Transformational Leadership
Ogamba’s appointment comes at a critical time for Kenya’s education sector, which is grappling with issues such as overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure, and discrepancies in access to high-quality education.
His vision for the ministry is based on the concept that education is the “greatest equaliser,” as predicted by 18th-century educational reformer Horace Mann. Ogamba’s goal is to develop a system that gives every child the opportunity to succeed, regardless of socioeconomic status.
To do this, Ogamba intends to use his skills in public administration and policymaking. His leadership style, which emphasizes collaboration and organisational efficiency, will be critical in resolving the sector’s fundamental challenges.
Ogamba’s support for the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) demonstrates his determination to improve the socioeconomic situation of all Kenyans through education.
When he assumes office, Ogamba’s initial priorities include increasing access to education, improving the quality of teaching and learning, and promoting educational justice.
He is particularly interested in increasing access to further and tertiary education for students from underserved communities, building on the work of the Hon. Migos Ogamba Foundation.
Ogamba’s vision is consistent with the Ministry of Education’s overall goals, which are to guarantee that every child receives a high-quality education that prepares them for future challenges.
Hon. Julius Migosi Ogamba’s appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Education marks a new chapter in Kenya’s education sector. While his expertise in law and public administration differs from the typical profile of an education minister, his enthusiasm for education and commitment to social fairness make him an appealing candidate.
Ogamba’s efforts with the Hon. Migos Ogamba Foundation and his leadership at KenGen demonstrate his abilities to effect change and develop inclusive policies.
Legislators scrutinised Hon. Julius Migosi Ogamba closely during the parliamentary vetting procedures, putting his ability on full display. His thoughtful comments and in-depth knowledge of the potential and problems facing the education sector left no room for doubt regarding his aptitude for the position.
Ogamba showed a sophisticated understanding of the topics at stake as he skilfully addressed concerns ranging from curricular revisions to the use of technology in classrooms.
His answers during the screening process demonstrated why Ogamba is not only the most qualified nominee for Cabinet Secretary for Education but also the most qualified one. He is well-suited to guide the Ministry of Education towards a future in which all Kenyan children receive an equal and quality education.
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The question of whether a non-educationist can run the Ministry of Education should be handled with a fresh perspective. The examples of global education leaders, as well as Kenya’s own history, demonstrate that effective educational leadership does not require a certain professional background.
With Ogamba at the helm, the Ministry of Education is ready to embark on a revolutionary journey that prioritises equity, access, and quality education for everyone.
The writer, Douglas Ogari, is a Leadership and Governance Expert.
