The key stakeholders of the Kenya National Commission (KNATCOM) for UNESCO who included representatives from the ministries of Education, Gender, Sports & Culture, Water, Environment and Information and Communications, Universities and Civil Societies met in April, 2005 at a workshop in Mombasa and sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Science and technology.

After reviewing the Vision, Mission, functions, structures and challenges facing KNATCOM the stakeholders agreed that there was need to reform KNATCOM to enhance its efficiency in service delivery to Kenyans as well as to increase the visibility of UNESCO in Kenya. In order to actualize this the meeting recommended that a Taskforce on Reform of KNATCOM be constituted by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Regarding the strengthening of structures and functions of KNATCOM the meeting recommended also that new committee members should be appointed for the various sectors. The following appointments were therefore made at KNATCOM.

The TOR
for the Taskforce are:-
• To consider and operationalize the recommendations of the KNATCOM stakeholders’ workshop held in Mombasa in April 2005.
• To initiate actions towards establishment of an effective Commission particularly in regard to staffing and other Resources.
• To draft Policy Paper, Cabinet memo for an appropriate legal status, building on the Cabinet memo of 1964 and other documents.
• To determine the candidature for various boards and committees of UNESCO for election during the 33rd General Conference.
• To approve Kenya’s delegation to the 33rd General Conference.
• To give direction and approve the strategy and work programme of the Commission.
• To approve the proposals and Draft Resolutions to be considered by UNESCO in the 33rd General Conference.

The Taskforce embarked on its mandate and recommended the Appointment of the following people to the various Sector Committees who were then appointed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

The Taskforce is currently in the process of sourcing for names to constitute the commission (Board of Directors) for KNATCOM.

Appointment of Secretary General
Dr. Esther W. Kakonge was appointed the Secretary General to replace Mrs. Monica Kilonzo who was transferred to Kenya Institute of Special Education as the Director. Dr. Kakonge brought to KNATCOM a wealth of experience both in diplomacy and International cooperation having worked here on and off before in different capacities since 1983 as well as being a renowned Educationist and Gender expert.

Other Appointments include:
• Mrs Mary T. Omondi - Deputy Secretary General
• Mr. Vincent Mwakima - Senior Programme Officer (Education)
• Mrs Alice Ngare - Programme Officer (SHS)

Retirement
Mr. Alex Kibebe retired in May 2005 after a sterling performance as the deputy Secretary General. He was replaced by Mrs. Mary Omondi, another experienced officer in the field of Education and Social Sciences.

Youth Forum
After the official launch of the Youth Forum, Kenya Chapter, KNATCOM allocated an office for Youth Secretariat so as to enhance and promote youth activities in the country.