Cllr Elizabeth Kangethe
I am proud to serve as an elected Councillor in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham since 2010. I made history as the first Mayor of Kenyan origin in this borough, a milestone that reflects my commitment to public service and community representation.
As the Cabinet Member for Education Attainment and Schools Improvement, I'm deeply invested in fostering excellence in our local education system. My role involves supporting schools and bridging the gap between the Local Authority and all schools in our Borough. I regularly participate in meetings with headteachers, discussing crucial matters such as school policies and funding allocations.
Beyond my local government duties, I serve as a Vice President of the London Mayors Association. I'm also an active leader within the Kenyan community, working tirelessly to strengthen bonds between my native Kenya and the United Kingdom.
My passion for education is rooted in my own academic journey. I hold a degree in Education, an LLB, and a master's in International Law and Legal Practice. As a qualified teacher and former headteacher in both Kenya and the UK, I bring a wealth of experience to my current roles.
One of my greatest joys is mentoring youth and women in leadership. I'm committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, drawing from my experiences in education and public service to guide and inspire.
My personal interests include traveling and spending quality time with family and friends, both in Kenya and the UK. My involvement with the Kenya Society has provided me with a strong platform to connect Kenyans and friends of Kenya, further strengthening the ties between our two nations.
Through my work in local government, education, and community engagement, I strive to make meaningful contributions to education, community development, and cross-cultural understanding. It's a journey I'm honored to be on, and I look forward to continuing to serve and inspire in the years to come.