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Established 1995 · Ministry of Education, Kenya

Kenya's Centre for Education Management Excellence

For thirty years, KEMI has developed the leaders, strengthened the institutions, and advanced the knowledge that drives Kenya's education sector forward — a public institution serving the entire education ecosystem.

Our Story

Our Origins

Founded to professionalise education management in Kenya

KEMI was established under the Ministry of Education in 1995, in recognition of a clear gap: Kenya's education system needed a dedicated institution to develop the management and leadership capacity of school leaders, education officers, and institutional administrators.

In the three decades since, KEMI has trained over 25,000 education professionals, conducted research that has shaped national education policy, and built a reputation as Kenya's most trusted institution for education management development.

Our Mandate

A national mandate to build education management capacity

KEMI's mandate, established under the Ministry of Education, is to provide leadership development, professional training, applied research, and advisory services that strengthen education management at every level of Kenya's education system — from individual schools to county governments to national policy bodies.

This mandate positions KEMI uniquely within Kenya's education sector — not as a university offering academic credentials, but as a professional services institution focused specifically on the practical demands of managing and leading education institutions.

Our Mission

To develop competent, ethical, and effective education leaders and managers who drive excellence across Kenya's education system — through training, research, advisory services, and a national community of practice.

What Guides Us

Our guiding principles

Seven principles shape how KEMI designs every programme, conducts every piece of research, and engages with every institution we serve.

01
Audience First
Every programme begins with the real challenges facing the education professional, not a generic curriculum.
02
Outcomes Before Offerings
We measure success by what our participants can do differently, not by attendance numbers.
03
Evidence as Practice
Our training is grounded in our own applied research on Kenya's education system, not imported theory.
04
Kenyan Context First
Every framework we teach is built for Kenya's specific governance, regulatory, and cultural context.
05
National Reach, Local Relevance
We serve all 47 counties while adapting programmes to local context and need.
06
Practitioner-Led
Our facilitators combine academic rigour with direct experience leading Kenyan schools and institutions.
Our People

Leadership team

KEMI is led by a team combining academic expertise, public sector management experience, and direct practical knowledge of Kenya's education system.

EW
Dr. Elizabeth Wambui
Director General

PhD in Education Policy. Twenty-five years in education leadership, including senior Ministry roles before joining KEMI in 2019.

DK
Dr. David Kamau
Director, Education Management Directorate

PhD in Educational Administration. Leads KEMI's diploma programme and research division.

SM
Susan Mwangi
Director, Institutional Services

Twenty years' experience in public sector capacity building, leading KEMI's county and institutional programmes.

JK
James Kariuki
Director, Finance & Administration

Chartered accountant overseeing KEMI's financial management, facilities, and operational administration.

Strategic Plan 2026–2031

Five strategic priorities

KEMI's current strategic plan sets five priorities guiding institutional development through 2031.

1
Expand Virtual Reach
Scale virtual learning to reach education professionals in every county, reducing travel barriers to participation.
2
Strengthen Research Capacity
Grow KEMI's research division to produce more frequent, more rigorous evidence on Kenya's education system.
3
Deepen County Partnerships
Build long-term institutional partnerships with all 47 county governments for sustained capacity building.
4
Modernise Digital Infrastructure
Invest in digital systems that improve access, tracking, and the overall participant experience.
5
Diversify Funding Base
Build sustainable funding through partnerships, consultancy revenue, and development partner collaboration.
Our Impact
25,000+
Education professionals trained since 1995
47
Counties reached across Kenya
1,200+
Diploma graduates in active leadership
30
Years of institutional history
Governance

Board of Management

KEMI is governed by a Board of Management appointed under the Ministry of Education, providing institutional oversight and strategic direction.

Prof. Peter Mutiso
Board Chairperson
Dr. Elizabeth Wambui
Director General (Ex-Officio)
Rachel Nyambura
Ministry of Education Representative
Thomas Kiprotich
County Government Representative
Compliance

Policies & compliance

KEMI operates under a comprehensive policy framework ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance as a public institution.

Privacy & Data Protection Policy Procurement Policy Service Charter Annual Reports & Audited Accounts Anti-Corruption & Ethics Policy Accessibility Statement
Our Partners

Working alongside Kenya's education sector

KEMI partners with government bodies, county governments, and development organisations to advance education management across Kenya.

For Journalists & Media

Media Kit & Press Resources

Download KEMI's logo assets, fact sheet, and leadership headshots, or contact our communications team for media enquiries.

Download Media Kit Contact Communications

Explore what KEMI offers

Individual programmes, institutional training, research, and conference facilities.

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