The KEPSA Education Sector Board held a Ministerial Stakeholders Forum (MSF) with the Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon. Ezekiel Machogu on 24^th November 2022 at Jogoo House, Nairobi. The Sector Board was led by its Chair Dr Vincent Gaitho together with the two Vice-Chairs Ms Wairimu Njage and Ms Priscila Kerebi.

In his opening remarks, The Cabinet Secretary thanked the private sector for its contributions to the education sector. He urged the private sector to provide input towards the sector reforms through the Presidential Working Party whose report will shape the trajectory of Education in Kenya. He also expressed his hope for a closer working relationship with the private sector, which he acknowledged to be the engine of growth, promising to meet the private sector regularly to engage across various issues.

Dr Vincent Gaitho introduced Hon. Machogu to KEPSA by outlining the existing engagement framework between the apex body and government, considering that this was the first meeting between the sector board and the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary. The Sector Chair reiterated KEPSA's commitment to work with the Ministry of Education in advancing sectoral policies that would elevate the quality of education in the country. Dr Gaitho also thanked the Cabinet Secretary for accepting to meet the sector board.

In her presentation, Ms Wairimu Njage, the Sector Board's Vice-Chair in charge of Basic Education, emphasized the private sector's commitment to supporting the government in making Kenya an academic/ education hub. She discussed in detail the role played by the private sector in basic education, noting that it invests more than $200 billion in infrastructure and around 30 billion in taxes.

Ms Priscila Kerebi, the Sector Board's Vice-chair in charge of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), highlighted the importance of the subsector to skills development and noted that there are presently more than 265000 students registered in the 700 existing TVET institutions. The sector plays a crucial role in equipping learners with the skills and competencies required in the industry.

Prof. Robert Gateru from the University Sub-Sector appreciated the Cabinet Secretary for recognizing the contribution made by private universities to the education sector. He urged the Ministry to create an enabling environment that supports the private sector's contribution to preparing Kenya's sizable youthful workforce and tapping into the export market to enhance the country's economic growth.

The Cabinet Secretary in his closing remarks, complimented the private sector for its contributions, particularly for its initiative towards the drought situation in the country, Elimu holdings limited for committing to developing 1000 free websites for marginalized schools, Kenya Private Schools who continue to offer 50000 scholarships annually, and Bridge International Schools for supporting and feeding 30,000 needy students. He applauded the sector board for the commitment to resolving the concerns and challenges highlighted towards making the sector effective and efficient. He also promised to engage the sector frequently and charged his team to work closely with the private sector to realize the set objectives.