Okula Jack

A Thinker; a Citizen of the world; a Believer in God’s infallible presence in the lives of men & women

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Today’s engagements at the 22nd KAHC Annual Symposium were both insightful and encouraging. I was particularly impressed by the depth of thought, candid discussions, and practical ideas shared by industry leaders and stakeholders, all united by a common goal of advancing Kenya’s tourism sector.

The conversations reaffirmed that we have a shared assignment: to identify innovative and sustainable ways of making Kenya an even more sought-after destination for visitors from across the world.

By working together, strengthening partnerships, and embracing bold ideas, I am confident that we will achieve our targets and unlock the full potential of Kenya’s tourism industry.

The journey continues #MagicalKenya 🇰🇪

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with our Heads of Department to review our progress, assess ongoing programmes, and align on the priorities that will drive the growth and competitiveness of Kenya’s tourism sector.

It was an open and productive engagement that gave us the opportunity to reflect on what is working well, identify the areas that need improvement, and, most importantly, find practical solutions together. I am encouraged by the commitment and dedication of our team as we continue working towards a stronger, more vibrant tourism sector that delivers for all Kenyans.

Together, we will keep building a tourism industry that is innovative, competitive, and globally outstanding #MagicalKenya

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Today, I officially handed over the leadership of the State Department for Basic Education to my colleague, PS @ololtuaa following the Presidential re-assignment. It has been an honor and privilege to serve in this role and work alongside dedicated stakeholders committed to transforming education in our country. As I embark on my new assignment at the State Department for Tourism, I remain grateful for the support accorded to me and look forward to serving Kenyans in this new capacity. I wish PS Ololtuaa every success as he takes over the mantle.

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Today, I officially assumed office as Principal Secretary for the State Department for Tourism following a handover ceremony by my predecessor, PS @ololtuaa

I commend PS Ololtuaa for his dedicated service and leadership in advancing Kenya’s tourism agenda and for the smooth transition process.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and look forward to working with stakeholders across the sector to strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading global tourism destination, drive sustainable growth, and create greater opportunities for our people #TembeaKenya #MagicalKenya

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Kenya’s tourism sector holds immense promise, and realizing our target of five million international visitor arrivals by 2027 will require all of us to work together with a shared sense of purpose.

During my engagement with industry stakeholders, I reaffirmed my commitment to open and constructive collaboration as we seek to grow the sector, diversify our tourism offerings beyond traditional safari and beach experiences, and position Kenya as a destination of choice for visitors from around the world.

My office will remain open and accessible to all stakeholders as we collectively create more opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth for the benefit of all Kenyans #MagicalKenya

[William Samoei Ruto, PhD @WilliamsRuto]

We have continued to broaden and deepen reforms in the education sector, the central pillar of economic development and progress as a people and a society.

Since 2022, we have increased the education budget from about KSh500 billion to more than KSh702 billion this financial year, underscoring our unwavering commitment to quality, access and inclusion in education for all.

Over this period, we have recruited 100,000 new teachers, built 23,000 classrooms across the country and embarked on the construction of 1,600 laboratories in secondary/senior schools.

These measures are helping ease congestion and improve the learning environment for our children.

We have also comprehensively reviewed the Competency-Based Education system to address challenges and address the needs, aspirations, and realities of our nation.

In higher education, we have introduced a student-centred funding model designed to expand access, enhance equity, and ensure that no deserving learner is left behind because of financial constraints.

Opened the Second National Education Conference in Naivasha, Nakuru County, to take stock of the progress we have made, reflect candidly on the challenges that remain, and renew our collective resolve to transform education into the greatest driver of national development.

At the same time, we need a national conversation on the prohibitively high cost of school uniforms, efficient provision of bursaries and the establishment of comprehensive schools, ranging from early childhood education to senior school.

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Day 2 of the 2nd National Education Conference 2026 is currently underway in Naivasha as education stakeholders from across the country continue engaging on the critical issues shaping the future of education in Kenya. 🇰🇪

Following a highly successful opening on Day 1 officiated by H.E. The President, the conference has continued to provide a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and policy engagement among leaders, education practitioners, development partners, and other stakeholders in the sector.

The discussions and resolutions emerging from this conference will play a significant role in strengthening education reforms, enhancing accountability, and advancing quality, inclusive, and globally competitive education for all learners.

I commend all participants for their commitment and valuable contributions as we continue working together to transform the education sector for the benefit of our nation.

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Day 2 of the 2nd National Education Conference 2026 in Naivasha has been insightful, engaging, and deeply reflective as we continue deliberating on the critical issues shaping the future of education in Kenya.

Today, I had the opportunity to chair a session that focused on the need for practical, actionable, and impactful recommendations that must emerge from this conference. Our discussions centered on key issues affecting the education sector, including the place of school uniforms in our learning institutions and how best to implement related policies, harmonization of scholarships and bursaries, capitation, strengthening quality assurance across all counties, equitable distribution of teachers across pathways and subjects, the role of KEMIS in enhancing education management and data driven decision making, as well as addressing placement challenges that continue to affect enrollment in C4 schools as learners increasingly prefer C1 and C2 institutions.

These are important and timely conversations that require collective responsibility, bold thinking, and sustainable solutions for the benefit of every learner in our country.

I am encouraged by the level of participation and commitment demonstrated by stakeholders, and I look forward to seeing how the resolutions from this conference will shape the next phase of education reforms in Kenya.

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) at Bunge Towers to answer to matters concerning capitation and the utilization of funds allocated to the State Department for Basic Education, in a session chaired by Hon. Nicholas Tindi Mwale, Member of Parliament for Butere Constituency.

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

The 6th Edition of Elimu Mashinani is now underway here in Makueni County. I am pleased to join stakeholders as we engage on key issues shaping the future of education in Kenya.

Together with my colleague, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, PS Higher Education, we are listening, learning, and working to strengthen a more inclusive, equitable, and skills-driven education system for all.

I urge all Kenyans to tune in, follow the discussions, and be part of this important national conversation
#ElimuMashinani #ElimuThabiti

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Today, I had the honour of signing the MOU between the State Department for Basic Education and KCB Bank Kenya at CEMASTEA, alongside the Managing Director, Mrs. Annastacia Kimtai.

This partnership on the solarization of our schools is truly a game changer. Following a successful pilot phase in 266 schools, we were able to identify key gaps and refine our approach, giving us the confidence to scale this initiative effectively.

By embracing clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy, we are taking a bold step towards improving learning environments while reducing operational costs in our senior schools.

With over 9,600 senior schools across Kenya, the first phase will see 3,213 institutions benefit, setting the foundation for a nationwide transition to sustainable energy in education.

This is more than a project; it is a commitment to innovation, resilience, and a greener future for our learners #ElimuThabiti

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

We continued our Makueni Education Day Tour at Kaumoni HGM Primary School, where I joined my fellow Principal Secretaries: PS Teresia Mbaika (Aviation & Aerospace), PS Abubakar Hassan (Investment Promotion), and PS Fikirini Jacob (Youth Affairs) under the banner of Team Kazi to engage with learners, teachers, and the community. Our presence on the ground demonstrates a whole-of-government approach, bringing together different sectors to accelerate delivery and impact where it matters most.

As we marked Education Day, we reaffirmed our commitment to advancing key government priorities in education, youth empowerment, and economic growth, ensuring no learner is left behind and that our collective efforts translate into real, tangible progress for the people of Makueni #ElimuThabiti

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

I kicked off our Makueni Education Day Tour at Kyambai Comprehensive School alongside my colleagues, PS Teresia Mbaika (Aviation & Aerospace), PS Abubakar Hassan (Investment Promotion), and PS Fikirini Jacob (Youth Affairs & Creative Economy). Together, as Team Kazi, we are working across sectors to deliver the government’s agenda directly to the people.

At Kyambai, we committed KSh 40 million towards infrastructure development to improve classrooms and create a more conducive learning environment. This investment reflects our united focus on transforming education as a foundation for opportunity, growth, and empowerment for every child #ElimuThabiti

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Tomorrow, let’s meet at Kyambai Primary School and later at Kaumoni HGM Primary School , Makueni County.

#TeamKazi.

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

The 6th edition of Elimu Mashinani is here, live from Makueni County.

Join the conversation as we focus on strengthening basic education and shaping the future of our learners.

Date: 31st March 2026
Time: 7:30 PM

#ElimuMashinani #ElimuThabiti

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Visited Chewoyet National School, accompanied by the PS for Public Works, Hon. Joel Arumonyang, to commission a modern Library and Administration Block.

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Arriving at Chewoyet National School to officially launch a library and an administration block.

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

This morning I hosted the Kenya Catholic Bishops Commission for Education and Religious Education, led by its Chairman, Rt. Rev. Bishop Mark Kadima, for a constructive engagement on the future of education in our country.

Our discussion focused on strengthening the longstanding Church–State partnership in education through mutually accommodative regulations, policies, and practices. We also addressed key issues raised by the Church, including concerns around the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, the management of the CBE transition to ensure equitable distribution of Grade 10 learners, and the need to safeguard the future of some C3 and C4 senior schools that risk under-enrollment.

Bishop Kadima, who also serves as the Bishop of Bungoma Diocese, further highlighted the importance of policies on school uniforms that balance learners’ constitutional rights with the ideology and deeply rooted culture of sponsor institutions.

I reaffirmed the Government’s appreciation of the Catholic Church, and indeed all faith-based organizations, as critical stakeholders in Kenya’s education sector. We value their continued investment and commitment to shaping the future of our learners, and we remain open to ongoing dialogue and collaboration to enhance quality education for all #ElimuThabiti

[Monica Juma @Monica_Juma_]

I thank His Excellency Antonio Guterres, @antonioguterres the United Nations Secretary General for appointing me as the next Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Director General of UN office in Vienna @UN_Vienna.

I appreciate the Secretary General’s confidence in my ability to steer these two important offices at the Under Secretary General level, at this critical point.

Coming on the eve of the International Women’s Day, this appointment is demonstrative of the UNSG’s belief in women leadership.

I sincerely thank H.E. President William Ruto @WilliamsRuto for the confidence he bestowed upon me in serving him as his, and the first, National Security Advisor of the Republic of Kenya, as Secretary to the National Security Council, and for enabling me to take this global assignment, demonstrating yet again his belief in Kenya making its contribution to the community of nations.

I look forward to serving at this new mandate diligently and flying Kenya’s flag high, to the best of my ability.

Thank You Kenya for preparing me to serve humanity!

[Julius Kibet Bitok @JuliusKBitok]

Today, I bid farewell to Ms. Caroline van Buren as she concludes her service as the UNHCR Country Representative in Kenya.

Ms. van Buren and I worked closely during my tenure at the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, prior to my transition to the State Department for Basic Education. I appreciate the strong and constructive collaboration we shared, and I acknowledge her leadership and partnership in the introduction and advancement of the Shirika Plan, a transformative approach that has helped shift refugee response from short-term humanitarian assistance to long-term inclusion and sustainable opportunities for both refugees and host communities.

I commend her steady leadership during a challenging period marked by uncertainty and concerns over continued support, as well as her positive spirit, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her work in Kenya.

I wish Ms. van Buren the very best in her next chapter and sincerely thank her for her outstanding service and contribution to our country.