Two Kenyans nominated for prestigious education award

Nova Pioneer Boarding Secondary Boys and Girls School located at Tatu City,Kijani Ridge. [File, Standard]

Two Kenyans are among 10 finalists for the prestigious Africa Education Medal 2024, which will be awarded in October.

The two Kenyan finalists are Kenya Drylands Education Fund (KDEF) Country Director Ahmed Kura and Nova Pioneer co-founder, Christopher Khaemba.

The Africa Education Medal was founded by T4 Education and HP.

It recognises the tireless work of those transforming education in the continent while celebrating stories of those who have brought change for others to follow in their footsteps.

Senior Education Business Leader at HP, Mayank Dhingra lauded Kura and Khaemba for their efforts in transforming the education sector.

“Congratulations to Kura and Khaemba for being named finalists for the Africa Education Medal 2024. Their passion and dedication to transforming education will inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps in building a world where quality education is enjoyed by all,” said Dhingra, in a statement.

Kura grew up in Tana River county, where he experienced deprivation first-hand.

He was orphaned at a young age and completed high school through the help of a well-wisher.

On the other hand, Khaemba is a co-founder and director at Nova Pioneer, a pan-African school group with the mission of developing innovators and leaders who will shape the African Century.

He focuses on building institutions that stand as beacons of what is possible in African education, impacting 20,000 students and 2,000 teachers. 

Khaemba has helped 20,000 young Africans graduate with excellent education, providing holistic character, academic, personal competence and social capital development.

Some of his notable students are corporate leaders including James Mwangi, Kihara Maina, James Mworia, John Gachora, Humphrey Wattanga, Martin Mbaya, Edward Ndopu, William Kamkwamba, Linda Dounia, Eddy Oketch, Fatou Fall, and Oyindamilola Adefisayo.

T4 Education founder and Chief Executive Vikas Pota said the Africa Education Medal honours change makers where change is needed most, especially where learning gaps are persistent and deep inequalities remain. 

“If we are to tackle these colossal challenges and unlock the continent’s future, we must build a community of leaders from every sphere of society committed to educational transformation. Africa, and the world, has so much to learn from these inspirational stories and your vital contribution to the next generation,” said Pota.

KDEF is a non-profit organisation that strives to improve educational opportunities for underserved populations in the drylands of Kenya. It operates primarily in North Eastern, characterised by extreme poverty, and illiteracy rates of 90 per cent. 

With only four percent of classrooms and schools connected to water, KDEF has partnered with the local government and leaders to deliver crucial projects aimed at transforming education including construction of nearly 100 classrooms, dormitories, and other vital infrastructure to up-lift thousands of unschooled boys and girls through sustainable education.