Education stakeholders have been challenged to strengthen STEM education through effective training, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and accountability at the county level.
Speaking during a three-day workshop for In-Service Education and Training (INSET) Centre Principals and county trainers at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in Karen, Nairobi, Chair of the Board of Governors, Dr. Pius Mutisya, said teacher trainers and institutional leaders play a central role in supporting the government’s efforts to boost STEM education.
“I am very happy to be here; I am meeting the pedagogical leaders who are also principals of our INSET centres,” Mutisya said. “We depend on you to ensure that STEM education and training are actualised in this country.”
The workshop brought together 118 INSET Centre Principals and 94 County Trainers’ Representatives, who are responsible for implementing teacher training programmes at both county and institutional levels. It is being held under the theme “Enhancing management of CEMASTEA activities at the county level for effective implementation of STEM education”, with a focus on strengthening coordination, leadership, and delivery of STEM initiatives nationwide.
Mutisya noted that achieving Kenya’s long-term development aspirations will depend heavily on sustained investment in science and technology education.
“If we are to achieve our aspirations as a country, science is the way to go,” he said. “With proper STEM training, we will build our own capacity as a nation and reduce reliance on external expertise.”
He described the workshop as a key platform for reflection, collaboration, and strategic alignment, urging participants to actively engage and share feedback to improve the effectiveness of training programmes.
“This workshop provides a valuable opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and align our strategies. Your insights are essential in ensuring that our programmes remain relevant and impactful,” he said.
Mutisya also commended participants for their commitment, noting that their attendance despite busy schedules reflects strong dedication to improving education quality.
He further praised county trainers and INSET Centre Principals for maintaining accountability in the use of training resources, emphasising the importance of prudent financial management.
“We have been informed that you have done quite well in managing CEMASTEA funds at both centre and county levels. For that, we thank and congratulate you,” he said. “These funds are limited, and your prudent use of them is critical.”
He, however, urged continued vigilance on transparency, compliance with procurement regulations, and adherence to audit recommendations.
“Accountability and transparency in resource utilisation are fundamental to sustaining our initiatives and maintaining public trust,” Mutisya said. “Where there are minor audit issues, kindly correct them as we move forward.”
Mutisya further encouraged education leaders to strengthen school-based professional development through collaborative approaches such as lesson study, noting that continuous teacher learning is key to improving classroom practice.
“As educators and leaders, we must promote communities of practice that support continuous professional development and enhance teaching quality,” he said.
He recognised the critical contribution of county trainers and INSET Centre Principals in implementing CEMASTEA programmes at the grassroots level.
“Your leadership, dedication, and coordination are key drivers in the successful implementation of our programmes at the school level,” he said.
Mutisya urged participants to fully utilise the workshop to share experiences and develop practical strategies to strengthen STEM education delivery.
“Let us embrace this opportunity to learn from one another and remain focused on our shared goal of delivering quality STEM education that equips our learners with the skills needed for the future,” he said.
The workshop is expected to enhance the management of teacher professional development programmes and contribute to improved teaching practices and learning outcomes in STEM subjects across the country.
By Ian Chepkuto
