Uncategorized – Kenya National Commission for UNESCO https://uat.unesco.go.ke Service to Kenya and UNESCO Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:30:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cropped-KNATCOM-Logo-profile-32x32.png Uncategorized – Kenya National Commission for UNESCO https://uat.unesco.go.ke 32 32 Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga message of condolence https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/10/16/rt-hon-raila-odinga-message-of-condolence/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:55:52 +0000 https://unesco.go.ke/?p=11118
Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, EGH

The Board of Directors, Management, and the Staff of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO join the nation in mourning the passing of The Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, EGH.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of the Republic of Kenya. His distinguished service, unwavering dedication to democracy, and  commitment to national unity will be remembered with great respect and admiration.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.

]]> KNATCOM Board visits the Baringo Aspiring Geopark https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/knatcom-board-visits-the-baringo-aspiring-geopark/ https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/knatcom-board-visits-the-baringo-aspiring-geopark/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 12:35:54 +0000 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/?p=662

KNATCOM Board visits the Baringo Aspiring Geopark

KNATCOM Board meeting with the Baringo County Deputy Governor

KNATCOM Board meeting with the Baringo County Deputy Governor

KNATCOM delegation headed by the Board Chairman Prof. Mohamed Said Rajab, E.B.S. and the Ag. Secretary General KNATCOM, Dr. James Njogu, HSC held an official meeting
with the Deputy Governor, Baringo County, and CEC tourism – Eng.Felix K. Kipng’ok
The team had a fruitful engagement on the delivery of the Baringo Geopark, which is a great initiative for Baringo County and Kenya at large.
The deputy governor conveyed the Governors support towards the designation of the Geopark would be realised.
He further expressed his appreciation to the Commission for their unwavering support towards the designation of Baringo Geopark as a UNESCO Geopark.
The Baringo aspiring UNESCO Geopark has a diverse geological value with 16 sites with magnificent sceneries. There are only two Geoparks in Africa, as Baringo Geopark is aspiring to be the third.
Also present were the board members, Director Abraham Odeng’, Director Stephen Mau, Dr. Chembon- Baringo County, Mr. Benard Wasike – Curator, Baringo National Museum, and the KNATCOM Board Secretariat members. The meeting which was held on Monday 28th April 2025 was part of the 3 day tour in the Baringo Aspiring Geopark.

]]> https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/knatcom-board-visits-the-baringo-aspiring-geopark/feed/ 0 International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/international-conference-on-cultural-heritage-in-africa/ https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/international-conference-on-cultural-heritage-in-africa/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 12:30:01 +0000 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/?p=654

International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa


Dr. James Njogu,HSC – Ag. Secretary General/CEO addressing the participants during the International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa

KNATCOM is honored to be part of the organizing team behind the International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa: A Dialogue on the Concept of Authenticity, currently taking place in Nairobi from 6–9 May 2025. This significant gathering is a collaborative initiative between UNESCO, the Government of the Republic of Kenya, and the African World Heritage Fund.

The ongoing conference brings together heritage professionals, policymakers, community representatives, and scholars from across Africa and the globe. Central to the discussions is the need to redefine the concept of authenticity within the African context, with the goal of advancing the identification, documentation, and preservation of the continent’s diverse and dynamic cultural heritage.

KNATCOM Ag. Secretary General/CEO in a panel discussion during the International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa

Emphasizing the importance of heritage authenticity, the Ag. Secretary General/CEO of KNATCOM, Dr. James Njogu, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to partnering with stakeholders to foster dialogue and advance initiatives that promote and uphold the authenticity and integrity of African heritage. He emphasized that such efforts are vital to the effective protection and safeguarding of Kenya’s rich cultural heritage.

]]> https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/international-conference-on-cultural-heritage-in-africa/feed/ 0 Transforming Futures: Advancing ESD for 2030 through Action Research in ASPnet Institutions https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/transforming-futures-advancing-esd-for-2030-through-action-research-in-aspnet-institutions/ https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/transforming-futures-advancing-esd-for-2030-through-action-research-in-aspnet-institutions/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 12:24:00 +0000 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/?p=647

Transforming Futures: Advancing ESD for 2030 through Action Research in ASPnet Institutions


A group of practitioners during the ESD Action research orientation workshop in Murang’a TTC

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) held a two-day workshop on 15–16 April 2025 at Murang’a Teachers Training College, bringing together 30 Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) practitioners from five ASPnet institutions. The workshop introduced participants to action research aimed at evaluating ESD tools with a focus on integrating sustainability into curricula, pedagogy, and assessment through a whole-institution approach.

Group discussion during the ESD Action research orientation workshop

Participants from Wote TTI, Buruburu Girls, Hospital Hill Primary, Murang’a TTC, and Kenyatta University were trained on the application of ESD tools and developed action plans to guide their research. The three-month project, funded by the Government of Japan through the UNESCO Participation Programme, will generate insights to inform the review and scaling up of ESD practices in Kenya’s learning institutions.

]]> https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/transforming-futures-advancing-esd-for-2030-through-action-research-in-aspnet-institutions/feed/ 0 A New Era: Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve officially launched https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/a-new-era-mount-elgon-transboundary-biosphere-reserve-officially-launched/ https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/a-new-era-mount-elgon-transboundary-biosphere-reserve-officially-launched/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 12:17:03 +0000 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/?p=626

A New Era: Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve officially launched

Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve officially launched

March 28, 2025, marked a historic milestone with the official launch of the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in Suam, Trans-Nzoia County. This landmark event, spearheaded by the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) in collaboration with UNESCO and its Ugandan counterpart, represents a significant step in the conservation of the Mt. Elgon ecosystem. It reaffirms the commitment of Kenya and Uganda to sustainable biodiversity conservation and the empowerment of local communities through the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

The launch, held at Suam, was graced by Ms. Silvia Museiya, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Wildlife (Kenya), and her Ugandan counterpart, Ms. Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities (Uganda), alongside the Principal Secretary, State Department of Forestry (Kenya). Also in attendance was Dr. James Njogu, HSC, Acting Secretary-General/CEO of KNATCOM, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the nomination and designation process. Other dignitaries included Amb. Joash Maangi, MBS – Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda; Ms. Louise Haxthausen – Director & Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa; government officials, conservation partners, and local leaders from both nations.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of plaques to officially launch the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Kenya and Uganda. This MoU, developed under the leadership of KNATCOM and Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, provides a framework for joint transboundary conservation initiatives, ensuring sustainable management of the ecosystem through coordinated policies, scientific research, and community-driven conservation efforts. The National Commissions for UNESCO in both countries were recognized for their critical role in facilitating the nomination process, securing UNESCO designation, and organizing this historic launch.

To complement the conservation efforts, over 5,000 trees were planted across the Mt. Elgon landscape on both the Kenyan and Ugandan sides, a strategic move to rehabilitate degraded areas and enhance ecosystem resilience. KNATCOM, as the lead agency for UNESCO programmes in Kenya, will continue providing technical guidance, mobilizing stakeholders, and advocating for policies that promote conservation and socio-economic transformation in the region. The successful designation of Mount Elgon as Africa’s second Transboundary Biosphere Reserve and the first in East and Southern Africa marks a new era in transboundary cooperation, reinforcing Kenya and Uganda’s shared vision for sustainable biodiversity conservation and regional development.

2H7A8837-150x150
2H7A8874-150x150
2H7A8885-150x150
2H7A8936-150x150
2H7A8944-150x150
2H7A8973-150x150
2H7A9149-150x150
20250328_140503-150x150
20250328_162245-150x150
2H7A8701-150x150
2H7A9155-150x150
2H7A8549-150x150
2H7A8726-150x150
2H7A8678-150x150
]]> https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/a-new-era-mount-elgon-transboundary-biosphere-reserve-officially-launched/feed/ 0 Technical Workshop for the IEC Guideline Development https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/technical-workshop-for-the-iec-guideline-development/ https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/technical-workshop-for-the-iec-guideline-development/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 12:12:41 +0000 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/?p=619

Technical Workshop for the IEC Guideline Development

The Technical Workshop for the Development of Institutional Guidelines and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Materials on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for Teachers in Africa 3rd – 7th March 2025 Naivasha, Kenya. The meeting brought together participants from Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia including Senior Ministry of Education officials, representatives of Teacher Service Commission/Teacher Management Commissions,  representatives of Teacher Unions, Heads of Associations officials, teachers and lecturers educators from TTCs and universities. The meeting was organized by Kenya National Commission for UNESCO jointly with UNESCO IICBA and  UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Nairobi.

]]> https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/technical-workshop-for-the-iec-guideline-development/feed/ 0 Ethics Education Training https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/ethics-education-training/ https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/ethics-education-training/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 12:06:27 +0000 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/?p=610

Ethics Education Training

KNATCOM, in collaboration with Arigatou International, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, the Ministry of Education, National Cohesion and Integration Commission, and other key stakeholders, launched the 2nd phase of the Ethics Education Fellowship Programme (EEFP) at The Luke Hotel, Muranga.

This initiative empowers educators to integrate ethics into learning, fostering peace, integrity, and responsible leadership in schools. Speaking at the event, KNATCOM Secretary General, Dr. James Njogu, emphasized the critical role of ethical education in shaping future generations and promoting social cohesion.

With the program’s expansion to Murang’a and Kitui counties, KNATCOM reaffirms its commitment to strengthening values-based education in Kenya.

 

#EthicsEducation #ShapingFutureLeaders #KNATCOM

]]> https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/ethics-education-training/feed/ 0 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐎𝐌-𝐆𝐨𝐊 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒/𝟐𝟓 𝐅𝐘 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/%f0%9d%90%8e%f0%9d%90%9f%f0%9d%90%9f%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%9c%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%9a%f0%9d%90%a5-%f0%9d%90%92%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%a0%f0%9d%90%a7%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%a7%f0%9d%90%a0-%f0%9d%90%a8/ https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/%f0%9d%90%8e%f0%9d%90%9f%f0%9d%90%9f%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%9c%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%9a%f0%9d%90%a5-%f0%9d%90%92%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%a0%f0%9d%90%a7%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%a7%f0%9d%90%a0-%f0%9d%90%a8/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 11:55:08 +0000 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/?p=598

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐎𝐌-𝐆𝐨𝐊 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒/𝟐𝟓 𝐅𝐘

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) participated in the signing of the 21st Cycle Performance Contract for Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) for the 2024/2025 Financial Year at CEMASTEA, Karen. Presided over by Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, the event highlighted the role of performance contracting in ensuring accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public institutions. CS Ogamba emphasized its alignment with the Government’s strategic direction for inclusive and equitable quality education, training, and research, while commending high achievers and urging underperformers to improve service delivery.
During this event, the CS also launched the Ministry ISO 2001-2008 Certificate, highlighting quality improvement standard setting. The implementation of ISO standards reflects the Ministry’s commitment to delivering quality education services and fostering an environment of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
CS Ogamba reaffirmed government support for SAGAs despite resource constraints, calling for innovative financial management and prioritization of high-impact projects. He highlighted the Ministry’s oversight of 25 State Corporations and their key role in economic development through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. KNATCOM, led by Board Chairman Prof. Mohamed Rajab, Board Member Ms. Florence Chemutai and Ag. Secretary General/CEO Dr. James Njogu, committed to fulfilling its performance contract objectives, ensuring excellence in service delivery and contributions to Kenya’s education sector.
Group-photo-150x150
Group-photo-SG-Featured-150x150
MOE-CS-and-KNATCOM-Board-Chair-150x150
MOE-CS-and-KNATCOM-Board-Chair-Signing-the-PC-150x150
Hon. Julius Migos, Ogamba, EBS, Cabinet Secretary for Education and the KNATCOM Board Chairman Prof. Mohamed Said Rajab, Ph.D., EBS signs the KNATCOM - GoK Performance Contract.
]]> https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/%f0%9d%90%8e%f0%9d%90%9f%f0%9d%90%9f%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%9c%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%9a%f0%9d%90%a5-%f0%9d%90%92%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%a0%f0%9d%90%a7%f0%9d%90%a2%f0%9d%90%a7%f0%9d%90%a0-%f0%9d%90%a8/feed/ 0 KNATCOM Celebrates Prestigious Financial Reporting Award https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/knatcom-celebrates-prestigious-financial-reporting-award/ https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/knatcom-celebrates-prestigious-financial-reporting-award/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 11:48:56 +0000 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/?p=590

KNATCOM Celebrates Prestigious Financial Reporting Award

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) secured the 1st runners-up position in the State Corporations and SAGAs Reporting category under the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Accrual Basis during the #FiReAwards2024 Gala Dinner, held at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, on 6th December 2024. This achievement is an improvement from last year’s position as 2nd runners-up, reflecting continuous dedication to excellence in financial reporting. The 2024 award theme, “Championing for Effective Sustainability Reporting through Technology and Innovation to Enhance Transparency,” aligns perfectly with Kenya’s statutory financial reporting requirements and Article 232 of the Constitution, which emphasizes values of transparency and the provision of timely, accurate information. This recognition is a testament to KNATCOM’s professionalism, commitment to public accountability, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. The 2024 FiRe Awards were organized by promoters of esteemed institutions: the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB), and Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA). Leading the KNATCOM team to receive the award were Board Chairperson Prof. Mohamed S. Rajab, alongside Board Members Ms. Florence Chemtai, Mr. Abraham Ondeng, and Mr. Stephen Mau. They were joined by Ag. Secretary General/CEO Dr. James Njogu, and a dedicated team of staff from various departments and sections. KNATCOM’s Board and Management congratulated the entire team for this stellar performance. While celebrating this milestone, the achievement also serves as a challenge and inspiration to aim for the top position in the coming year. As the Board Chairperson, Prof. Mohamed S. Rajab, aptly remarked, “Hard work has placed the Commission on the path to being the very best, and together, we can reach that pinnacle.”

]]> https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/knatcom-celebrates-prestigious-financial-reporting-award/feed/ 0 STEM Camp of Excellence for Girls and Teachers https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/stem-camp-of-excellence-for-girls-and-teachers/ https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/stem-camp-of-excellence-for-girls-and-teachers/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 11:38:23 +0000 https://uat.unesco.go.ke/?p=579

STEM Camp of Excellence for Girls and Teachers in Kenya

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE); United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office of East Africa; United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); The TranSforming InSTitutions to Advance women leadeRS in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (SISTARS Project); Huawei Technologies; the Engineering Board of Kenya;  Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS); and The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) successfully hosted a four day Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Boot Camp of Excellence. The camp, whose theme was “Unlocking the Potential of Girls in STEM for Secure & Sustainable Future for All“, converged close to 300 girls from 27 secondary schools drawn from informal areas of Nairobi County.

The Boot Camp was officially opened by Dr. Elyas Abdi Jillaow, OGW, the Director General for Basic Education in the Ministry of Education (MoE), who represented the Principal Secretary, the State Department for Basic Education as the Chief Guest. In his speech, he noted that this is the 2nd phase of the KNATCOM-led STEM camp that has cumulatively mentored over 4,000 girls in all 47 Kenyan counties. He underscored the MoE efforts in facilitating schools to ensure that the students have adequate STEM learning infrastructure for a conducive environment for learning.

Dr. James Njogu, the Ag. Secretary General, KNATCOM, encouraged the participating girls to uptake the STEM subjects which are key for pursuing STEM career paths. He recognized the Camp of Excellence partners and underscored the important contribution that has made the December 2024 camp happen. He further reiterated KNATCOM’s commitment to promoting STEM as its one way of ensuring a sustainable future for all.

The four-day camp, which ran from 2nd to 5th December 2024, was hosted at Nairobi Primary School, Nairobi County. The STEM Camp was a platform for mentorship on STEM career choices; critical thinking; 21st Century Skills; into induction to robotics, mobile app development and 3D printing; among other lifelong skills. It is envisaged that the camp will inspire the girls to pursue STEM courses through mind shift change (demystify the notion STEM Courses are hard and a preserve for boys/men), mentorship, and peer-peer learning; ultimately increasing the number of female scientists nationally and globally.

The STEM Camp of Excellence ran concurrently with the training 27 teachers on Gender Transformative STEM Pedagogy and Digital Education.  The training envisages enhancing the teachers’ understanding of the gender-responsive pedagogy concepts, planning lessons and modes of delivery, including real-world lesson planning, gender-sensitive teaching and learning materials, language use in the classroom, teaching approaches, classroom setup, and STEM learning infrastructure.

The Boot Camp culminated with a tree-planting exercise during which students, teachers, Partners, Mentors, and KNATCOM Secretariate led the Ag. Secretary General Dr. James Njogu planted over 650 trees within the Nairobi Primary School compound.

STEM-Camp-2024-Nairobi-Primary-School-150x150
STEM-Camp-Training-Session-150x150
Students-150x150
STEM-Camp-Robot-150x150
]]> https://uat.unesco.go.ke/2025/05/27/stem-camp-of-excellence-for-girls-and-teachers/feed/ 0