The Loitokitok Education day was marked on 9th June 2009. On this day, the district launched its 2009-2013 Education sector plan. This plan was developed through a consultative stakeholder process that started in September 2008. SNV Kenya mobilised stakeholders to discuss the challenges affecting access to, and quality education in the pre-dominantly pastoralist Loitokitok district. The culmination of the stakeholders’ forum was the development of the sector strategy.
A prize giving ceremony was also held in recognition of top performers in the 2008 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations.
The chief guest at Education Day was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Prof. Karega Mutahi. He reiterated the importance of education in society and stressed on the need for the District Education Office to be accountable for the results posted by their districts. The Permanent Secretary noted that SNV is an important partner in education, and that the role of capacity development support that SNV offers is very essential. He also announced that the Ministry of Education will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with SNV for capacity development support. He thanked SNV for their continued contribution to the education sector in the country. While launching the strategic plan the Permanent Secretary directed the District Education Officer in Loitokitok to ensure that the strategy is fully implemented. He reiterated government support to the same.
Also present was SNV Kenya Country Director Stuart Worsley, the District Education Officers from Narok North, Narok South, Laikipia East, Laikipia West, Kajiado, and Transmara districts. In his brief remarks, the Country Director reiterated that SNV’s commitment to working with the other stakeholders in improving the education sector in the South Rift, and other livelihood sectors. He called upon the concerted efforts of all the stakeholders in enhancing the close collaboration of all in Loitokitok.
The ceremony brought together current and former clients of SNV in an informal meeting with AMREF, District Education Officers, the Provincial Administration, and tourism and livestock clients from Loitokitok and other Districts.
Earlier in the day, the Permanent Secretary inspected some schools within the area.