Dr Belio Kipsang exits Education Ministry as new PS Bitok takes over

Dr. Belio Kipsang has stepped down from the Education Ministry as Professor Julius Kibet Bitok officially takes over as the new Principal Secretary for Basic Education.

Prof. Bitok succeeds Dr. Kipsang, who has been reassigned to the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services at a pivotal moment for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which is undergoing significant changes.

During a handover meeting on Wednesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba welcomed the new PS and emphasized the importance of his role in ensuring quality education for students.

“The sector has complete confidence in you. I look forward to your contributions to this field to effectively serve our students, and we will support you,” he stated.

Dr. Kipsang, who has dedicated 29 years to the education sector, assured Prof. Bitok of a strong foundation, especially in managing the transition of junior school students to senior school in January 2026.

“I have faith in him; he can successfully oversee the remaining aspects of Competency-Based Education (CBE). I am confident in Prof. Bitok’s capability to handle the final stages of the system,” Dr. Kipsang remarked.

Now leading Immigration and Citizen Services, Dr. Kipsang humorously invited his colleagues to visit him at his new post.

“You can come to Nyayo House for your ID cards and other travel documents,” he said, reflecting on his ten years of service as PS in the Ministry of Education.

This transition occurs amidst ongoing discussions about the implementation of CBC and the government’s higher education funding model, which was recently deemed unconstitutional by the High Court.

As Prof. Bitok begins his role, he faces a system still grappling with challenges, including public concerns regarding CBC implementation, teacher readiness, and school infrastructure.