Magoha’s Snippets of advice to Nominated CS Machogu
Prof. George Magoha can provide Ezekiel Machogu with a few tidbits of wisdom on how to run the docket as he waits for National Assembly approval to assume his position as minister of education.
Machogu, a former provincial administrator and Nyaribari Masaba representative, was nominated by President William Ruto on Tuesday to lead a ministry that is at the center of most Kenyans’ concerns, particularly as they face the dual challenge of navigating the transition from the 8-4-4 system of education.
But, according to Magoha, his successor at Jogoo House B must be prepared for difficult tests and not be frightened of making unpopular decisions or being fired.
Magoha acknowledged that he leaves behind “large shoes” for his successor and stated that the ministry is beset by numerous difficulties that require courage to address.
In his past comments, Magoha has been reported numerous times in the media criticizing worker apathy, the existence of cartels within the ministry, and noncompliance with sector orders.
Magoha noted that during his three-and-a-half-year ministry tenure, he attempted and succeeded in combating cartels, which gained him many enemies.
The National Treasury gave Sh544.4 billion to the Ministry of Education to support education sector activities.
But Magoha warned the incoming administration to be aware that the education ministry is not a money pit and that the ministry is not the place for embezzlers.
He added that if the Elimu Scholarship administered by Equity bank is not properly handled, it will be misappropriated.
The Elimu scholarships are a cornerstone introduced by the government to ensure that the poorest of the poor and brilliant children have uninterrupted access to education for four years.
If care is not exercised, Magoha warns that the cash will end up in the wrong hands.
Mgoha told Machogu to dispel the notion that he was merely lounging at Jogoo House and to get to work.
“This ministry is a service ministry which requires you to be out in the field and not one who prefers sitting in Jogoo House B, very close to the ultimate seat of power in Harambee House, introduces many demands, many unplanned, unforeseen and arbitrary,’’ he said.
Magoha says the education sector requires leaders committed to achieving national ambition.
Magoha advises Ezekiel Machogu to embrace teachers as they dictate the frequency and quality of service delivery to students, parents, guardians, and the community.
The incoming government must fix the teacher recruiting gap quickly according to Magoha.
The Kenya Kwanza Coalition agenda advocated investing in 56,000 more teachers. Magoha said teacher shortages are the real dilemma facing schools, especially as the transition period approaches.
He suggested that ministers avoid firefighting, board meetings, and roadside performances.
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Magoha encouraged him to emphasize building a "routine” in connecting data, practice, and policy to minimize the need for authority and hurry in giving roadside declarations.
Due to the sector’s evolution, development, and transformation over the previous decade, Magoha stated a new post may be an exception.
Magoha’s Snippets of advice to Nominated CS Machogu
