Veteran Coast educationist Khadija Karim passes on
Her leadership in the Coast education administration in the early 1990s made her among the most influential civil servants in that region’s education sector at the time.
Veteran educationist Khadija Karim, the first woman from Coast region to be appointed Provincial Director of Education (PDE), passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
She also served as Deputy Director of Education in charge of the then Coast Province — a senior administrative position within the Ministry of Education overseeing schools, teacher management, and educational programming in Coast Kenya.
Her leadership in the Coast education administration in the early 1990s made her among the most influential civil servants in that region’s education sector at the time. Her work helped shape policy implementation, teacher support systems, and initiatives to broaden access to education—particularly for girls—in a period of growth and change in Kenya’s education system.
She is recognized as a pioneer of girl-child education in Coast Province, advocating for improved access and opportunities for girls in schools.
Khadija was a teacher by profession before rising through the ranks of the Kenyan education system.
Over her career, which spanned decades, she received several honors including the Head of State Commendation Medal and Medal of Distinguished Service, a testament to her service and impact in the education sector.
After retirement, she served as a director at the Kenya Ports Authority, where her leadership, integrity, and
Commitment to service greatly contributed to institutional growth.
Her passing elicited tributes from leaders who praised her contribution to national development.
While praising her legacy of service, Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho said her invaluable contribution to the education sector, particularly in the Coast region, where she served with unwavering dedication as the Provincial Director of Education, will be remembered for generations to come.
“Khadija was a towering figure in the education sector, a veteran educationist whose life was devoted to shaping minds and uplifting communities. Her legacy of service, humility and commitment to excellence will live on in the countless lives she touched and the generations she helped nurture. We will always remember her with deep respect, admiration and gratitude,” he said.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir said she leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, humility, and excellence that will continue to inspire many. “She was a distinguished educationist whose lifelong service, particularly in the Coast region, shaped generations and strengthened the foundations of learning through her leadership, integrity, and unwavering dedication.
Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki described her as a distinguished educationist and public servant who served the nation with exceptional dedication. “We mourn a trailblazer whose legacy of service and excellence will continue to inspire generations,” he said.
Mvita MP Mohamed Soud Machele said her lifelong service to the education sector left a profound and lasting impact on the Coast region and beyond. “She dedicated her life to shaping young minds and strengthening communities. Even in retirement, her wisdom, mentorship and guidance continued to inspire many,” he said in his condolence message.
Hundreds of people turned up for funeral prayers at the Kikowani cemetery in Mombasa after maghrib (sunset) funeral prayers which were held at Marembo Mosque.
May Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her mercy, and admit her into the highest ranks of Jannatul Firdaus.