The ongoing push to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and ICT in education is gaining momentum as senior school teachers in Homa Bay County undergo literacy training.
The three-day programme facilitated by the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) focuses on empowering teachers, particularly those handling STEM subjects, with modern instructional tools as part of efforts to modernise teaching under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
Speaking during the training held in Mbita High School, Mbita Sub-County, CEMASTEA representative Thuo Karanja said the programme emphasises responsible use of AI, including data protection and ethical considerations.
“We want teachers to not only use AI tools effectively but also understand how to use them responsibly,” he said, adding, “By the end of the training, we expect them to become role models who can support fellow teachers and learners in adopting these technologies.”
County Director of Education Eunice Khaemba, on the other hand, highlighted that the initiative aims at equipping teachers with digital skills to enhance classroom instruction and learner engagement.
“We are undertaking this training to ensure our teachers can effectively integrate ICT into the teaching process. Under the CBE system, teachers are no longer just instructors but facilitators guiding learners. ICT and AI tools are essential in supporting this shift,” she said.
Under the programme, participants are introduced to AI applications that can assist in lesson planning, content development, and assessment.
The training is designed to deliver key outcomes that will transform teaching and learning. Among the expectations is that teachers will be able to effectively navigate the CEMASTEA digital portal, a platform that provides access to teaching resources and professional development tools.
Participants are also being introduced to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, enabling them to understand how AI can be applied in educational contexts.
The training places strong emphasis on hands-on experience, with teachers engaging directly with AI tools to develop teaching and learning materials.
In addition, the program aims to strengthen learner-centred pedagogy by integrating AI into CBC lessons. Here, educators are being guided on how to use technology not just as a support tool but as a means of enhancing student engagement, creativity, and independent learning.
Responsible use of AI is another key component of the training. Teachers are being sensitised on ethical considerations, including data protection and appropriate use of digital tools, to ensure safe and effective implementation in schools. The director noted that ICT has significantly improved both teaching and learning experiences.
“Teachers can now conduct research more efficiently, while learners benefit from increased engagement and opportunities for self-directed discovery,” she implied.
Despite progress, a small number of schools still face challenges in accessing ICT resources. To address this, she said, the County has established resource centers in selected schools where neighbouring institutions can access digital facilities.
Additionally, the government continues to supply computers to schools annually to bridge the gap. The education stakeholder echoed that the initiative aligns with global trends in digital learning and is key to preparing both teachers and students for a technology-driven future.
The senior school teachers attending the training expressed optimism about the impact of the programme.
Jessica Marwa, a science teacher from Suba, said she hopes to gain practical skills in using AI for classroom instruction. “This is my first time attending such training, and I expect to learn how to use AI in teaching my subject,” she said.
Another participant, Kisame Edgar, a teacher at Rusinga Girls High School, emphasised the importance of ICT in the current curriculum.
“Digital literacy is a core competency in CBE, and we must be equipped with the necessary skills to guide our learners. This training will enhance our capacity and improve productivity in delivering the curriculum,” he said.
Similarly, another group of teachers are also undergoing similar AI literacy training at Agoro Sare High School in Oyugis town.
By Sitna Omar
