Kenya
Strengthening school leadership to drive learning, inclusion, and systems change
In Kenya, our work focuses on advancing school leadership as a lever for educational improvement and equity. We collaborate with local organizations to co-create professional development programs, generate context-specific evidence, and contribute to education policy conversations. Together, we are building leadership ecosystems that support every child’s learning and well-being.
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We currently have partnered with two Kenya-based organizations, Dignitas and the Women Educational Researchers of Kenya (WERK), to support school leaders, amplify local expertise, and catalyze systems change.
Our Work with Dignitas
Dignitas is dedicated to implementing education leadership professional development programs. Their initiatives are evidence-based, aligned with government priorities, and designed to enhance children's learning and well-being. Our partnership with Dignitas focuses on strengthening professional development opportunities for school leaders. Together, we have worked on:
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Ustadi Program
Our partnership began in 2018 with the co-creation of the Ustadi Program, which supported school leaders to build instructional leadership skills and guide professional learning in their schools. Later phases expanded to include district education officers, embedding school leader development in Kenya’s broader education system.​
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Ustadi Toolkit for Education Officers
The Ustadi Toolkit is designed to equip Education Officers and school leaders with actionable tools and strategies to strengthen instructional leadership and improve learning outcomes. The toolkit is designed to address the real-world challenges school leaders face and supports them in fostering better teaching practices and thriving learning environments for all students. Explore the Ustadi Toolkit by clicking here.​
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Video Series: Students First
'Students First: Kenya' explores how school leaders, alongside parents and teachers, are facilitating the transition from Kenya's exam-oriented curriculum to a new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).​ Set in Bright Bridgesons Learning Academy in Nairobi, this three-part series highlights the pivotal role of school leaders in bridging policy with practice, shifting deep-rooted mindsets, and nurturing practical skills and competencies among students.​​
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Our Work with WERK
Women Educational Researchers of Kenya (WERK) is a research-focused organization that aims to advance equity and inclusion in education through evidence generation and policy engagement in the country.​
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Research on Women in School Leadership in Kenya
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In partnership with WERK, we are conducting research to understand the structural and systemic barriers that limit women from accessing school leadership roles. Through interviews with school leaders, teachers, and policymakers, we are generating insights to inform more inclusive leadership programs and gender-responsive policies.
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To amplify the project’s impact and advocacy reach, we have established an Advisory Committee comprising Wangui Nyaga, Evangeline N. Nderu, Steve Kariithi, Virginia Nginduru, and Vongai Nyahunzvi. This advocacy-driven group is dedicated to influencing policy, raising public awareness, and driving meaningful change, translating research findings into actionable strategies that advance gender equity in school leadership.
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