Dr. Sam Marigat is as dedicated as he is passionate about driving educational improvements in Kenya, particularly for marginalized communities. In recognition of his significant contributions to education, Dr. Sam was awarded the prestigious Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) of Kenya by the President in 2021. Serving as the TSC County Director in Kisumu, he has an impressive background that showcases his commitment to transforming lives through education. In a recent interview with Dignitas, he shared his experiences, challenges, and visions for the future of education in Kenya.

Dr. Sam didn’t always know that he would dedicate his life to education. His journey began in the classroom, where he discovered a profound desire to help students struggling with academic challenges. “I believe that the true measure of success is not in the accolades we receive, but in the value we add to others’ lives,” he says, reflecting on the early days of his career. This philosophy became the foundation of his educational approach.

His path led him through various leadership roles, including Head of Department, National Examiner, Deputy Principal, and Principal of Emining High School, where he served for a decade. His experience in strategic management significantly influenced his leadership style, transforming schools under his guidance. At Emining High School, he improved the school’s rating from 5.8 to 8.5 in just six years by applying strategic management principles typically found in business. His passion for drama and mentorship also played a significant role in his approach to education, emphasizing the holistic development of students. “Strategic thinking is essential in running educational institutions effectively,” he notes.

“I believe that the true measure of success is not in the accolades we receive, but in the value we add to others’ lives”

Leadership & Mentorship

Dr. Sam’s experience as Teachers Service Commission County Director for 12 years has given him a deep understanding of what it takes to make a school thrive. He’s always firmly believed in the power of leadership and mentorship, especially when supporting and empowering school leaders.

“School leaders are the heartbeat of a school,” Dr. Sam explains. He knows that when school leaders are strong, the entire school benefits. This belief led him to launch a program in Mombasa where teachers could come together for Teacher Professional Development (TPD) every Wednesday, where teachers would meet in clusters to learn from one another for 2 hours. The program fostered a sense of community among educators and provided them with valuable insights that they could take back to their classrooms.

But Dr. Sam doesn’t stop at supporting school leaders—he also has a passion for mentoring teachers. He enjoys helping them craft and share their stories of success, a process that not only boosts their confidence but also inspires others. His approach to leadership and mentorship is grounded in the belief that effective leadership and collaboration can drive significant improvements in education.

Innovating to Overcome Challenges

Dr. Sam is no stranger to the challenges that educators face today. He has seen firsthand how issues like lack of resources and support can hinder a teacher’s ability to deliver quality education. But instead of being discouraged, Dr. Sam has made it his mission to find innovative solutions to these problems.

“The most important part of learning is the teacher,” Dr. Sam says, highlighting the crucial role that educators play in the classroom. He believes that no matter how good the infrastructure is, without a skilled and motivated teacher, learners won’t reach their full potential. This belief drives his advocacy for investing in teachers and providing them with the tools and training they need to succeed.

One of his innovative solutions is co-teaching, particularly in areas where classrooms are overcrowded, and resources are limited. In informal settlements, where students often face numerous challenges, Dr. Sam is working on initiatives that involve multiple teachers in a single classroom. This approach will ensure that every student receives the attention they need to succeed. “We need to make sure every student gets a good education,” he says, emphasizing his commitment to inclusive and effective teaching methods.

Dr. Sam is also passionate about leveraging technology to support education. He sees great potential in using technology for assessment, teaching, learning, and even school administration. But he’s quick to point out that technology is only effective if teachers are equipped to use it properly. “Unless teachers can connect with the learner, we can’t go far,” he notes, stressing the importance of professional development for educators.

Strategic Vision for the Future

Dr. Sam’s vision for the future of education is both strategic and collaborative. He believes that real progress can only be made when all stakeholders work together towards a common goal. “We need to work together and make sure programs are properly supported,” he says, emphasizing the importance of coordination and effective implementation of educational initiatives.

His work as a County Director has given him a deep understanding of the unique challenges that different regions face. He knows that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t  work in education, and he’s committed to being open-minded and inclusive in  developing tailored solutions that address the specific needs of each community.

On Dignitas Technical Advisory Board, he brings valuable insights from his grassroots experience to policy discussions, ensuring that theoretical policies translate into practical benefits. “I bring practical grassroots experiences so that Dignitas can match her policies with practice, ensuring there’s no disconnect,” he says, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Dr. Sam also sees great potential in partnerships between the government, private sector, and non-profit organizations. He believes that by working together, these groups can create a more effective and sustainable education system that benefits all learners, regardless of their background.

“The most important part of learning is the teacher”