In a powerful address at the 2024 International Confederation of Principals (ICP) World Convention, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, issued a clarion call to education professionals to confront the critical challenges threatening the future of education globally.
Speaking on behalf of President William Ruto, Mudavadi highlighted the dire situation in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, where ongoing conflicts have forced nearly 100 million students out of school. He painted a grim picture of the potential consequences if these issues are not addressed, warning of a “lost generation” that could emerge from the current crises.
“What will happen to the lives of these young people, given that the effects of conflict can last for up to 40 years?” Mudavadi questioned, urging education leaders to devise innovative solutions to these pressing global challenges.
Mudavadi also drew attention to the devastating impact of climate change on education in Kenya. He cited the worst drought in four decades, which recently destroyed over 4,000 classrooms and essential infrastructure, including bridges and roads crucial for access to schools. “Climate change is not just an environmental issue,” he stressed. “It directly affects our educational systems and the opportunities available to our children.”
Emphasizing the importance of economic empowerment, Mudavadi challenged educators to equip Africa’s youth—70% of the continent’s 1.4 billion people—with the skills needed to thrive. He urged a focus on enhancing language and communication skills to boost intra-African business, currently lagging at just 30%.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also raised critical concerns about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in education. He questioned whether AI is being harnessed as a force for good or if it risks exacerbating societal challenges. “How are we harnessing AI? Are we using it to enrich education, or are we allowing it to create negative consequences?” he posed.
Mudavadi warned of the dangers of social media, noting its potential to spread misinformation and incite violence. He underscored the need for education to play a pivotal role in equipping learners with the critical thinking skills required to navigate the digital age.
In a related initiative, Mudavadi visited the newly constructed Mama Ngina Girls High School, where he participated in the Jaza Miti tree-planting initiative. This program, a presidential directive, aims to increase Kenya’s forest cover through the planting of 15 billion trees in partnership with Safaricom and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forest ICT.
Concluding his address, Mudavadi called on education leaders to collaborate and innovate in response to these unprecedented challenges. “As we engage in these discussions, let us work towards a vision where every child has access to quality education, empowering them to become agents of change in their communities,” he said.
The ICP, founded in 1990, continues to serve as a vital platform for the development and support of educational leaders worldwide, fostering collaboration across diverse educational contexts.
