Nakuru: The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has initiated a comprehensive retooling program for 52,452 senior school teachers across Kenya, preparing them for the upcoming implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE) at the senior secondary level.
According to Kenya News Agency, Senior Deputy Director of Teacher Professional Development, Mr. Andrew Mwathi, revealed that the retooling encompasses teachers from regular secondary schools, Special Needs Education (SNE) institutions, and vocational training centers. These educators are set to teach Grades 10 to 12 starting January 2026, marking a significant transition under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The TSC, in collaboration with the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), is focusing on aligning teachers with the new senior school pathways introduced under the CBC. The 52,452 teachers have been divided into three learning areas: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science. The retooling aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills to effectively deliver the CBC framework in senior secondary schools.
During a workshop at Egerton University’s Agriculture Resource Centre, Mr. Mwathi emphasized the importance of this retooling exercise. He noted that it is critical for ensuring teachers are prepared for the transition of Junior Secondary School (JSS) learners to Senior Secondary School next year. The program involved the training of 290 County Trainers, who will further disseminate the training to Heads of Department (HoDs) in schools.
The retooling of County Trainers was conducted at various centers, including Egerton University in Nakuru, CEMASTEA headquarters in Ngara-Nairobi, and Golf Hotel in Kakamega. Facilitators included representatives from CEMASTEA, TSC, the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), and the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).
Mwathi highlighted the strategic role of HoDs in facilitating the successful implementation of the curriculum. The program also serves as a backup plan, ensuring continuity in case of retirements among school heads before the curriculum transition.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of STEM education in Kenya, in line with the country’s Vision 2030. This vision aims to provide globally competitive quality education and training, fostering development and individual well-being. The retooling program not only focuses on pedagogical skills but also emphasizes the importance of STEM literacy in addressing national challenges and fostering innovation.
Livingstone Makanda, Head of Secondary School Programmes at CEMASTEA, announced that County Trainers will engage with HoDs nationwide from November 24 to November 27, focusing on curriculum transition. The training addresses teaching and learning gaps, promoting learner-centered practices, and integrating technology into education.
Rift Valley Regional Director of Education, James Indimuli, stressed the importance of a learner-centered approach in the competence-based curriculum, advocating for teaching strategies that encourage active learner participation. The retooling aims to improve teachers’ attitudes, pedagogy, and mastery of content, contributing to Kenya’s reform path towards improving human capital and quality of life.
Kenya’s commitment to providing quality education aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable education. The retooling initiative is a step towards revitalizing the teaching profession to meet the demands of the 21st century, ensuring quality, equity, and relevance in education.
