A total of 120 senior school teachers in Kericho County have been trained on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into classroom teaching, in a bid to enhance delivery under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
The three-day training, conducted by the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), focused on equipping teachers with AI skills inured to align emerging technologies with modern teaching methods.
Speaking during closing of the training at Moi Tea Girls Secondary School, Kericho County Quality Assurance Officer Joseph Ochieng, who was the Chief Guest, underscored the importance of embracing digital tools to improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a technology-driven future.
Ochieng urged the teachers to cascade the skills acquired in their various schools through training their colleagues on how to leverage Artificial Intelligence in their actual teaching of learners based on the new CBE curriculum.
The Quality Assurance Officer further urged trained Senior Secondary School Teachers to embrace AI, emphasising the shift from 8-4-4 system of Education, which is at its tail end, paving way for CBE which requires the full integration of AI to make learning a bit easier and interesting.
CEMASTEA National Trainer Martin Mungai said the programme is aimed at ensuring teachers are not left behind as learners become increasingly digitally literate.
Mungai noted that the training introduced teachers to AI applications in education and how they can be used to enrich classroom experiences and improve content delivery.
He said participants were taken through practical sessions on the use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini and Edu-Aid.
“By the end of the training, teachers will be able to navigate the CEMASTEA portal, understand the basics of Artificial Intelligence, develop hands-on activities using AI tools, enhance learner-centred teaching in CBC lessons, and promote responsible use of AI, while improving their preparedness,” Mungai said.
According to the trainer, the tools will help teachers in preparing lessons, curating content and enhancing learner engagement in line with 21st Century skills.
Mungai added that the training also emphasized alignment with government ICT and AI policies including adherence to data protection regulations to safeguard both learners and teachers.
He revealed that the programme targets training at least 400 senior school teachers in Kericho County, who will in turn cascade the knowledge to their colleagues.
On infrastructure challenges, he said efforts were underway to improve internet connectivity in schools through partnerships, including the provision of satellite internet solutions such as Starlink.
They also encouraged teachers to utilise personal digital devices as a starting point while broader infrastructure development is being pursued.
The trainers cited the rapid evolution of AI technology as a key challenge, noting the need for teachers to remain updated and ensure responsible and professional use of the tools.
They emphasized that proper guidance is necessary to prevent misuse of AI, especially among learners who are increasingly exposed to digital platforms.
The programme prioritises teacher training first, with the expectation that knowledge will be passed on to learners through classroom interaction.
The Official said the initiative is expected to improve curriculum delivery and equip learners with relevant competencies for the digital age.
Meanwhile, CEMASTEA educationist Richard Jakomanyo clarified that AI is not meant to replace teachers but to complement their professional roles.
Jakomanyo stressed that effective teaching still depends on the teacher’s pedagogical knowledge and ability to guide learners in the appropriate use of technology.
He noted that the training is part of a nationwide initiative currently being rolled out in 17 counties, with plans to expand to more regions in subsequent phases.
by Dominic Cheres and Kibe Mburu
