Mombasa, Kenya, June 22–26, 2026— Mount Kenya University (MKU) has called on secondary school principals to enrol in professional mediation programmes as a strategy to strengthen leadership and improve school stability, during the 49th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Annual Conference currently underway in Mombasa.

The conference, themed “Strong Schools and Collaborative Leadership for Promoting Competency-Based Education (CBE),” has drawn education stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on the ongoing transition to the competency-based curriculum.

Through its Institute of International and Development Law (IIDLaw), MKU is positioning mediation training as a critical leadership tool for principals navigating increasingly complex school environments.

Speaking at the event, IIDLaw Principal Ms. Judy Ngayu underscored the relevance of conflict resolution skills in school management.

“All principals will benefit from the mediation course. These skills are essential for managing disputes, strengthening leadership effectiveness, and promoting harmony within school communities,” she said.

MKU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the implementation of Competency-Based Education, a major reform reshaping Kenya’s education system. The university highlighted its role in preparing teachers and school leaders to adapt to the demands of learner-centred instruction, continuous assessment, and holistic student development.

Dr. Agnes Kalenywa, don MKU’s School of Education emphasized the institution’s proactive approach.

“The University continues to champion CBE-aligned teacher training, leadership development, and research, empowering educators and school leaders to effectively navigate the evolving education landscape,” she noted.

The university’s programmes focus on equipping educators with modern pedagogical skills, strengthening institutional leadership, and fostering collaboration between schools and higher education institutions.

Addressing Emerging School Challenges

MKU’s push for mediation training comes against a backdrop of rising challenges in schools, including student unrest, leadership pressures, and the need to ensure safe and supportive learning environments.

Education experts at the conference noted that the success of CBE depends heavily on strong institutions led by principals capable of managing change, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration among teachers, students, and parents.

The university has therefore integrated conflict prevention, negotiation skills, and restorative justice practices into its professional training portfolio.

These programmes, offered through the School of Law, are designed to build resilient leadership capable of addressing both administrative and psychosocial challenges within schools.

Collaborative Leadership Takes Centre Stage

Deliberations at the KESSHA conference have also highlighted the shift towards distributed leadership models, where decision-making is shared among school stakeholders.

Principals are increasingly expected to act as facilitators who empower teachers, engage communities, and drive institutional transformation.

MKU’s leadership and professional development initiatives align with this approach, focusing on strategic planning, curriculum leadership, and organizational management.

Education stakeholders argue that such collaborative leadership models are essential for sustaining reforms, improving learning outcomes, and ensuring that schools remain adaptable in a rapidly changing educational environment.

Strengthening the Future of Schools

By encouraging principals to enrol in mediation programmes, MKU aims to strengthen school leadership and promote peaceful, productive learning environments—key pillars for successful CBE implementation.

The university maintains that equipping school heads with dispute resolution and leadership skills will contribute to building strong, stable, and inclusive schools capable of nurturing competent and resilient learners.

As the conference continues, MKU has reaffirmed its readiness to partner with schools and policymakers in advancing education reforms, emphasizing that collaboration, leadership capacity, and institutional strength remain central to the success of Competency-Based Education in Kenya.

Mount Kenya University is a leading institution of higher learning committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community service. Through IIDLaw and its School of Education, the university offers specialized programmes designed to enhance leadership and professional practice across sectors.

Principals attending the conference received free health wellness check conducted by the MKU college of health sciences faculty and students promoting a healthy workforce for a wealthy nation.