Uasin Gishu Trade CEC Dr Philip Chebunet Backs Education PS Changes, Calls for Stronger Leadership in Education Sector
He expressed confidence that the new Principal Secretary will help improve policy implementation and restore stability in education.
Uasin Gishu Trade CEC Dr Philip Chebunet. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Trade, Dr Philip Chebunet, has welcomed recent changes in the Ministry of Education, expressing confidence that the appointments will help address challenges that have affected the education sector in recent years.
Speaking during a press briefing, Dr Chebunet, a former lecturer at the University of Eldoret and an educationist with over 25 years of teaching experience, said the education sector had suffered due to poor leadership and ineffective implementation of policies.
“Education has shaped my life and leadership journey. I have taught at different levels, from early childhood education to university, and I understand the challenges facing the sector,” said Dr Chebunet.
The Trade CEC, who previously taught communication at the University of Eldoret, noted that his extensive experience in education had given him firsthand knowledge of the issues affecting learners, teachers and institutions.
Dr Chebunet argued that some officials entrusted with managing education reforms had failed to effectively implement the President’s vision for the sector.
“The President has good plans for education, but some of the people entrusted with implementing them have not been able to articulate and execute that vision effectively,” he said.
He expressed concern over the implementation of the
Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), claiming that uncertainty remained regarding learning materials and policy direction for students transitioning to senior school.
According to Dr Chebunet, the challenges facing the sector contributed to frustrations among learners, teachers and parents.
He also criticized recent proposals affecting the school calendar, particularly changes to term schedules and half-term breaks, arguing that they could increase pressure on students.
“When you talk about a half-term break, it should come in the middle of the term. The current arrangement places it much later, leaving students with little time before examinations,” he said.
The former lecturer further claimed that financial constraints facing schools had contributed to decisions by some institutions to send learners home earlier than expected.
He praised President William Ruto for appointing an experienced education professional to the position of Principal Secretary, saying the move demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing challenges in the sector.
“The President listened to concerns from teachers, parents and stakeholders. Bringing in someone with experience in education is a step in the right direction,” he stated.
Dr Chebunet said education requires decisive leadership and effective engagement with stakeholders, including teachers, parents and local communities.
Referring to former education administrators, he noted that strong leadership had previously played a key role in ensuring discipline and successful implementation of government policies in schools.
“Education must be taken seriously because it remains one of the key pillars of national development,” he said.
He further warned that public officials who fail to deliver on their mandates risk losing public confidence and government support.
Dr Chebunet also expressed confidence in the newly appointed Principal Secretary, describing him as an experienced professional capable of steering reforms in the ministry.
“The new PS will succeed if he works closely with parents, teachers, communities and school administrators. He must understand what is happening on the ground and provide firm leadership,” he said.
He added that collaboration among stakeholders would be critical in addressing existing challenges and ensuring the education sector delivers quality outcomes for learners.
“He must be firm, engage stakeholders and remain focused on improving education standards. If that happens, I believe he will succeed,” Dr Chebunet concluded.
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