Across Kenya, teachers are working to support learners in increasingly complex environments, while policymakers make decisions that shape the current realities and future direction of education systems. Yet a persistent gap remains: education research does not always translate into action.
Kenya’s National Education Research Agenda (NERA) seeks to change this.
Launched in February at Kisii University by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, NERA marks a significant step toward strengthening the role of evidence in decision-making. Developed under the HERI Africa initiative, it shifts research from an academic exercise to a practical tool for improving policy, systems, and learning outcomes.
A Timely Opportunity
As education systems respond to learning gaps, teacher shortages, technological change, and climate-related disruptions, the need for coordinated and relevant evidence has never been greater.
NERA provides a shared, country-owned framework that aligns research with national priorities and system needs. Developed through consultations with over 350 stakeholders, it reflects a collective vision for a more responsive and effective education system.
Turning Evidence into Action
NERA is grounded in a simple but critical insight: evidence alone does not drive change.
For research to have impact, it must be relevant, accessible, trusted, and used. The agenda strengthens this link—improving coordination, collaboration, and the application of research in policy and practice.
It also sets some priority areas, including equity and inclusion, foundational learning, teacher development, STEM and innovation, system resilience, and the use of data and evidence—together shaping a more inclusive and future-ready system.
From Momentum to Impact
NERA goes beyond priorities to outline what will make implementation successful: strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, effective use of evidence, capacity building, sustainable financing, and continuous learning.
More than a document, NERA signals progress. It reflects Kenya’s commitment to ensuring that research informs decisions and improves outcomes for learners.
The direction is clear. The opportunity now is to build on this momentum, moving from evidence to impact.
Access the NERA document here to understand the priorities guiding Kenya’s education transformation.