吃瓜头条 continues to lead the charge in advancing education for sustainable development, reaffirming its commitment to transformative learning and global sustainability. The University virtually hosted the National Inception Workshop on Tuesday, 5th August 2025, marking the official opening of the Leadership in Education for Sustainable Development (LEAD-ESD) Programme.
罢丑别尘别诲听鈥淟eadership for Education for Sustainable Development鈥�, the workshop brought together a cross-section of stakeholders from academia, government ministries, county representatives, environmental bodies, and development partners to collectively envision a sustainable future through education.
The workshop commenced at 8:30 a.m. on Google Meet, with participants welcomed by the Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Nelly Otube, Lecturer in the Department of Special Needs Education and Deputy Executive Dean of SOE, LL.
Key briefings were delivered by representatives from UNICEF, NEMA, and the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, highlighting the strategic role of ESD in addressing climate change, promoting civic responsibility, and embedding sustainability in national curricula. Notably, Ms. Nancy Mbugua represented Mary Kang鈥檈the, Director of Education Programmes at KNATCOM鈥揢NESCO.
Dr. Catherine Mbaisic underscored NEMA鈥檚 technical support and commitment to the project鈥檚 success, noting the integration of county environmental officers in rollout processes and the agency鈥檚 longstanding involvement in ESD.
In her remarks, Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), reaffirmed the University鈥檚 support for the programme, citing KU鈥檚 strengths as a trailblazer in sustainability education. She acknowledged the project’s alignment with SDG 4, Target 4.7, which emphasises education for sustainable development and global citizenship.
She further emphasised the collaborative nature of the initiative, noting that, 鈥淥nly when we come together can we begin to address the diversity of challenges that affect us all. The role of education in promoting sustainability cannot be overstated.鈥�
Prof. Wanjohi also noted that 吃瓜头条鈥檚 robust learning infrastructure, including its Learning Management System (LMS), DSVOL, and the UNESCO Chair on Higher Education for a Green and Sustainable Economy (HEDGES), uniquely positions the institution to host the LEAD-ESD programme.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paul K. Wainaina, Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, DVC (Research, Innovation and Outreach), delivered the keynote address and officially opened the workshop. She emphasised the project鈥檚 regional scope, targeting Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Seychelles, and praised KU鈥檚 selection as the implementing institution due to its proven track record, academic diversity, and demonstrated commitment to sustainability education.
Dr. Catherine Mbaisic, representing the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok reinforced the Ministry鈥檚 support and recognised the LEAD-ESD initiative as a catalyst for rethinking teacher education and policy-making in alignment with global sustainable development goals.
Prof. Maarifa Mwakumanya, Regional Coordinator of LEAD-ESD, delivered a compelling keynote address, elaborating on the conceptual framework and pedagogical approaches of the programme. He described ESD as a UNESCO priority agenda and stressed its importance as a cross-cutting enabler in tackling global challenges through participatory, transformative, and values-based education.
His session included a live Q&A moderated by Dr. Otube, with questions from teacher training college representatives such as Gordon Otieno (Kilimambogo Teachers College) and Deacon Patrick (St. John鈥檚 TTC). Issues raised ranged from navigating political complexities in implementing ESD to integrating creativity and imagination as core competencies in teaching sustainability. Prof. Maarifa addressed these concerns by emphasising the importance of context-sensitive strategies and the role of empowered educators as agents of change. Questions went on to be posed surrounding the question of the education system.
Prof. Maina Mwangi, Executive Dean, School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging all facilitators, participants, and partners for their time and insights. The workshop ended with a virtual group photo session, where attendees turned on their cameras to commemorate the event.