Dr Jane Kere Imbunya has been elevated to the rank of Professor, making history as the second woman Principal Secretary to attain the rank of Professor.
Imbunya follows former Education PS Fatuma Chege, the first female professor in Kenya, who was appointed in 2021.
Imbunya serves as Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development. She has built a career around education, curriculum development, research, public administration, and human capital development.
Jane Kere Imbunya’s Education and Academic Career
Jane Kere Imbunya was born 7 June 1969 in Kakamega County. She joined the University of Nairobi in 1992 to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree.
She subsequently pursued postgraduate studies from the University of Botswana, earning a Master of Education in 2005, a Master of Philosophy in 2015, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2017.
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Her academic career has largely centered on curriculum studies, teacher education, educational research and competency-based learning. She spent many years working in Botswana’s higher education sector, holding different positions at the University of Botswana and Gaborone University College.
At Gaborone University College, she also served as Director of Research and Linkages. She later returned to Kenya and joined Kaimosi Friends University, where she rose through senior academic and administrative positions.
At Kaimosi Friends University, Imbunya first served as Director of Quality Assurance and Management Systems and later became Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences, a position she held immediately before her appointment to government.
As an external examiner, Kere has served at Kibabii University, Botswana’s Open University, the University of Southern Africa, and Zambia’s Open University.
Curriculum Reforms, Research and Professional work
She was appointed to the Presidential Working Party on Educational Reforms, which examined issues affecting the country’s education system. She served as a technical adviser to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) on guidelines for developing Competency-Based Curriculum designs and pedagogical strategies.
She served as an education expert adviser to the Botswana Parliamentary Education Committee.
Through her expertise in education, Jane has conducted research and published books and academic journal articles.
In 2026, she was listed as the author of a study examining pedagogical shifts in Kenyan universities and the implementation of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET).
Her Role as PS in Ruto’s Government
President William Ruto nominated her as Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development in 2025.
As PS, Imbunya oversees programs covering public service management, human resource development, government training, and human capital development. Her responsibilities have included appearing before parliamentary committees to explain government programs and budgets, including the National Youth Service allocation for the 2026/2027 financial year.
She has also overseen engagements on public-sector reforms, payroll management, employee welfare and digital transformation.
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In June 2026, she appeared before the Senate Labor and Social Welfare Committee on behalf of Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, presenting updates on public service programs, human resource management and digital systems.
Jane Kere Imbunya’s Family Background
Imbunya was married to Dr Joseph Muhadia Imbunya, who died in July 2021. The couple had two sons, Harkins and Bramwel Imbunya.
In October 2025, she returned to Matende Primary School in Shirere Ward, Lurambi Constituency, her former school, for activities marking Mazingira Day.
She also visited Kaimosi Demonstration Primary School.
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