Narok school principal to represent Kenya in the World School Summit in Malaysia

A Kenyan educationist is set to represent the country at the prestigious 34th World School Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education.

Parmale Kuluo, the Principal of Nkareta High School in Narok County, has been invited as an esteemed participant at the global summit scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026.

The invitation follows his remarkable leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving education despite numerous institutional and socio-economic challenges.

In a letter dated December 26, 2025, Akshay Ahuja, Curator of the World School Summit, praised Kuluo’s commitment to the education sector.

“Your dedication and contributions to the education sector have not gone unnoticed, and we firmly believe that your presence at the summit will greatly enhance the discussions and outcomes of the event,” the letter read.

During the summit, Kuluo will be honoured with a prestigious international award, alongside a trophy and certificate, recognising exceptional leadership and innovation in education.

The event will feature high-profile personalities, including Geeta Phogat, India’s first female wrestler to qualify for the Olympic Games. More than 20 renowned global education experts are expected to share insights on the future of education. The summit is anticipated to attract about 200 participants from over 25 countries, including educators, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Kuluo’s invitation to the World School Summit comes in close succession to another major global initiative he has championed, his successful effort to establish international linkages with Marks Gymnasieskola in Sweden. The timing reflects a broader strategy of engaging global platforms to address local education challenges, while positioning Kenyan schools within international networks of learning and innovation.

Beyond institutional leadership, Kuluo is widely recognised for his relentless efforts to keep children from the indigenous Maasai community in school. Aware of the economic hardships facing many families in the region, he introduced an inclusive fee-payment model that allows parents of vulnerable learners to pay school fees using farm produce such as peas, maize, potatoes, and even livestock.

This culturally responsive approach has significantly reduced school dropout rates, eased financial pressure on households, and ensured that many Maasai children remain in school and complete their education.

Kuluo’s recognition comes against the backdrop of persistent challenges at Nkareta High School, which has a student population of 1,112 learners. The school has struggled with congested dormitories, inadequate access to clean drinking water, and limited sanitation facilities for both domestic and personal use.

Students have also faced the absence of a proper dining hall, forcing them to take meals outdoors even during the rainy season. Classroom congestion remains a major concern, with some classes accommodating up to 70 students under one teacher. Additionally, boarding facilities for teachers and support staff have been insufficient.

Determined to find sustainable solutions, Kuluo elevated the school’s challenges to the global stage by initiating an international exchange program with Marks Gymnasieskola in Sweden in 2025. The program enabled teachers from both institutions to visit each other’s schools for benchmarking, knowledge-sharing, and institutional linkages.

In November 2024, a delegation from Marks Gymnasieskola confirmed plans to visit Nkareta Secondary School on February 3, 2025. The Swedish team comprised four female educators: Marika (Principal), Ulrika (Program Coordinator), Jenny, and Maria. The visit was officially communicated to the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and the School Board of Management.