Passaris calls for public engagement to drive education reforms
By Joel Masibo, January 21, 2026Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has highlighted the importance of sustained public participation in the successful implementation of education reforms, noting that dialogue and community involvement are essential in building trust and ensuring reforms address real needs on the ground.
Her remarks come after participating in the Elimu Mashinani initiative, an outreach forum aimed at taking education conversations directly to communities. The engagement, held at Lavington Primary School on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, brought together Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos and Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi for an open and candid discussion on pressing and contemporary education issues affecting Nairobi County.
Passaris emphasised that education reforms cannot succeed in isolation, stressing that continuous engagement with the public allows for feedback, raises awareness, and fosters confidence among stakeholders.
According to her, this inclusive approach ensures that reforms are not only well understood but also appreciated and responsive to the diverse perspectives of parents, teachers, learners, and the wider community.
Public engagements
”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 via X on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The forum provided a platform for residents to air their views, seek clarification on ongoing reforms, and share practical concerns affecting learning institutions within the county. Discussions centred on the need for clear communication around policy changes, adequate resourcing of schools, and the importance of aligning reforms with the realities faced by learners and educators.
Passaris noted that such grassroots engagements are critical in demystifying education reforms and ensuring that policymakers remain connected to the communities they serve. She reiterated that dialogue remains the most powerful tool in shaping policies that deliver meaningful and lasting outcomes for children.
Engaging stakeholders
Speaking on the initiative, Education CS Julius Ogamba welcomed the initiative that focused, among other issues, on the ongoing Grade 10 transition.
”The programme provides an opportunity for education sector policy leaders to engage with stakeholders and members of the public on a range of issues affecting the sector.” Ogamba said.
As the government continues to roll out education reforms, leaders involved in the Elimu Mashinani initiative say similar forums will remain key in strengthening collaboration between policymakers and the public, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive, responsive, and effective education system.