Tough lessons await Machogu on curriculum changes

Ezekiel Machogu. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Ezekiel Machogu, the Cabinet Secretary nominee for the Education docket, has a long history in public service and will be hoping to use the experience to run one of the country's key sectors.

The politician who made an unsuccessful attempt to clinch the Kisii governor seat is an education enthusiast.

In 1970, Mr Machogu enrolled in Nduru High School for his O-Level examinations. Upon completion, in 1974, he proceeded to Agoro Sare High School for his A-Level certificate.

Between 1976 and 1979, he attended the University of Nairobi and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

He later landed a job at the Office of the President as a District Officer, before his appointment as District Commissioner from 1989 to 2008.

From 2008 to 2016, he worked in the Public Service Commission as a senior deputy secretary.

In 2017, he was elected Member of Parliament representing the people of Nyaribari Chache. He shifted his sights to the Kisii governor seat but was beaten by ODM's Simba Arati.

Machogu is credited for his contribution to the improvement of education standards in his constituency where the leading school in KCSE examination each year could receive a bus.

He is also credited with working closely with Kenya Rural Roads Authority in opening roads in his constituency.

Machogu is a former practicing large-scale tea and dairy farmer. He also has interests in real estate.

If his nomination is approved by the National Assembly, Machogu will face the daunting task of spearheading the push to determine the fate of the Competency-Based Curriculum.

It remains to be seen what type of leadership style he will adopt to run the sector. Recent Education bosses Fred Matiang'i and Prof George Magoha have run a tight ship and helped restored order.