Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has called for continuous public participation in the implementation of education reforms, saying meaningful dialogue with communities is key to building trust and ensuring policies address real challenges facing learners and schools.
Passaris spoke after attending the Elimu Mashinani forum held at Lavington Primary School in Nairobi on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026.
The outreach initiative is designed to take education discussions directly to the grassroots and allow citizens to engage policymakers openly.
The forum brought together Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos and Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi, alongside parents, teachers, and education stakeholders from across Nairobi County.
The forum brought together Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos and Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi, alongside parents, teachers, and education stakeholders from across Nairobi County.
The meeting focused on current and emerging issues affecting the education sector, including policy reforms and transitions within the system.
According to Passaris, education reforms cannot succeed if they are developed and implemented without public involvement.
According to Passaris, education reforms cannot succeed if they are developed and implemented without public involvement.
She noted that continuous engagement allows policymakers to receive feedback, clarify concerns, and create awareness about changes taking place in the education sector.
She said involving the public helps build confidence and ensures reforms are well understood and accepted by those most affected.
She said involving the public helps build confidence and ensures reforms are well understood and accepted by those most affected.
Passaris added that parents, teachers, learners, and community members bring valuable perspectives that help shape better and more practical education policies.
“Effective implementation of education reforms requires continuous public engagement for feedback, awareness creation, and trust-building. This is the only way to ensure reforms are understood, appreciated, and responsive to stakeholder perspectives,” Passaris said in a statement shared on social media.
During the forum, residents were given an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and seek clarification on ongoing education reforms.
“Effective implementation of education reforms requires continuous public engagement for feedback, awareness creation, and trust-building. This is the only way to ensure reforms are understood, appreciated, and responsive to stakeholder perspectives,” Passaris said in a statement shared on social media.
During the forum, residents were given an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and seek clarification on ongoing education reforms.
Participants highlighted challenges facing schools, including the need for proper communication on policy changes, adequate funding, and resources for learning institutions.
Discussions also focused on ensuring that reforms reflect the realities faced by learners and teachers on the ground.
Discussions also focused on ensuring that reforms reflect the realities faced by learners and teachers on the ground.
Some participants called for stronger support systems for schools and improved coordination between the national government and local education stakeholders.
Passaris noted that such grassroots engagements are critical in demystifying education reforms. She said forums like Elimu Mashinani help bridge the gap between policymakers and citizens, ensuring leaders remain connected to the communities they serve.
She further emphasized that open dialogue remains one of the most effective tools for shaping policies that deliver long-term benefits for children.
Passaris noted that such grassroots engagements are critical in demystifying education reforms. She said forums like Elimu Mashinani help bridge the gap between policymakers and citizens, ensuring leaders remain connected to the communities they serve.
She further emphasized that open dialogue remains one of the most effective tools for shaping policies that deliver long-term benefits for children.
According to Passaris, education reforms should not only focus on policy documents but also on how those policies affect learning outcomes and the well-being of students.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who also addressed the forum, welcomed the Elimu Mashinani initiative.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who also addressed the forum, welcomed the Elimu Mashinani initiative.
He said the programme provides a valuable platform for education leaders to interact directly with the public and other stakeholders.
Ogamba noted that the forum addressed several key issues affecting the education sector, including the ongoing Grade 10 transition.
Ogamba noted that the forum addressed several key issues affecting the education sector, including the ongoing Grade 10 transition.
He said engaging stakeholders helps the ministry gather views that can inform better decision-making and smoother implementation of reforms.
“The programme offers an opportunity for education sector leaders to engage with stakeholders and members of the public on a range of issues affecting the sector,” Ogamba said.
Leaders involved in the Elimu Mashinani initiative said similar forums will continue to be held in different areas as the government rolls out education reforms.
“The programme offers an opportunity for education sector leaders to engage with stakeholders and members of the public on a range of issues affecting the sector,” Ogamba said.
Leaders involved in the Elimu Mashinani initiative said similar forums will continue to be held in different areas as the government rolls out education reforms.
They believe sustained engagement will strengthen cooperation between policymakers and the public.
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