Nairobi: The Government has initiated a comprehensive training program for over 400 County trainers nationwide, aimed at facilitating the transition of Junior Secondary School (JSS) learners to senior secondary school starting next year. This effort is spearheaded by the Ministry of Education and facilitated by the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA).
According to Kenya News Agency, Director General of Basic Education, Mr. Elias Abdi, emphasized the importance of retooling County trainers. Speaking at a training workshop held at Egerton University’s Agriculture Resource Center (ARC), he highlighted that these trainers are expected to impart their knowledge to Heads of Departments (HoDs) in schools. These HoDs play a crucial role in implementing the curriculum effectively, ensuring a smooth transition.
Under the new education structure, senior schools will offer three distinct career pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Arts and Sports; and Social Sciences. Schools will either be classified as triple pathway institutions offering all three pathways or dual pathway institutions offering STEM alongside one other pathway.
Mr. Abdi further explained that senior schools are set to accommodate all students from junior schools. Approximately 60 percent of students will pursue the STEM pathway, 25 percent social sciences, and 15 percent Arts and Sports. By the end of the training, HoDs will be equipped to describe the basic education curriculum framework needed for the effective implementation of competency-based education.
The training workshop, themed ‘Enhancing the Capacity of STEM Heads of Departments to manage transition to Competency-Based Education,’ is being conducted at several centers, including Egerton University in Nakuru, CEMASTEA headquarters in Ngara Nairobi, and Golf Hotel in Kakamega. Facilitators are drawn from various institutions, including CEMASTEA, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), and the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).
Mr. Abdi assured stakeholders of the government’s readiness for the Grade 10 transition scheduled for January 2026 under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. Concerns about facility adequacy, sustainable financing, teacher retooling, and congestion were addressed, with Mr. Abdi affirming the government’s preparedness for the transition.
The acting Director in charge of STEM Training at CEMASTEA, Mr. Patrick Ogolla, stated that the retooling initiative is a continuation of a previous training program for principals. He emphasized the significance of STEM literacy for developing nations, highlighting its role in fostering innovation and addressing national challenges.
Dr. Reuben Nthamburi Mugwuku, Director in charge of Teacher Professional Management at the Teachers Service Commission, underscored the importance of the transition to senior school. He noted that the workshop outcomes would enhance participants’ understanding of the basic education curriculum framework and competency-based assessment framework.
The TSC Director also pointed out Kenya’s commitment to international, continental, and national policy aspirations supporting STEM education. He noted that global recognition of STEM education’s role in national development aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Overall, the training program represents a significant step towards ensuring a successful transition to senior secondary school, with a focus on aligning educational pathways with learners’ aspirations and abilities.
