Redefining Education: NGEC's Bold Drive for Gender Equality

In a historic appearance at the Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers   Association (KEPSHA) 2024 Annual General Meeting and Conference, NGEC CEO Dr. Purity Ngina, spotlighted the Commission’s bold agenda for eradicating gender disparities in Kenya’s education sector.

Addressing a pivotal issue, Dr. Ngina used this first-ever opportunity for NGEC at KEPSHA to set an ambitious vision for bridging the gender gap in access to technology and leadership within basic education. Her proposals underscored NGEC’s strategic thrust into the education sector, positioning the Commission as a powerful advocate for gender parity in digital literacy and leadership roles among Kenya's youth

Highlighting Kenya’s growing digital economy, Dr. Ngina emphasized that access to technology is indispensable for preparing students for a digitally driven world. Yet, as she outlined, girls remain severely underrepresented in tech access and digital literacy, especially in rural areas.

Referencing data from the Communications Authority of Kenya, she noted that while 72% of men have mobile internet access, only 61% of women can say the same, a gap that restricts young girls from harnessing digital tools critical to modern education and career readiness.

Her remarks spotlighted stark inequalities within classrooms, where only 20% of rural schools are equipped with basic tech infrastructure, and girls often face cultural biases that push them away from technology fields.

In a bid to close these divides, Dr. Ngina presented actionable strategies to shift this narrative, calling for gender-inclusive digital literacy programs tailored for young girls. Her proposal includes strengthened ICT infrastructure in rural schools, sustained community awareness campaigns to challenge harmful stereotypes, and expanded mentorship programs connecting young girls with female role models in STEM. Dr. Ngina also underscored the need for gender- sensitive online safety initiatives to safeguard girls as they engage with digital spaces, thereby addressing not only accessibility but also safe and empowering participation.

Dr. Ngina’s strategic pivot into education marks an important expansion of NGEC’s mandate. By framing digital literacy and leadership as fundamental rights for all students, she redefined NGEC's role, aiming to foster an inclusive future where girls can thrive as both tech users and leaders.

NGEC CEO Dr. Purity Ngina, addresses KEPSHA delegates on bridging the gender divide in technology and leadership, urging inclusive policies to empower girls in digital access and school leadership.