Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs) have been challenged to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education by supporting the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in schools.
Chair of the Board of Governors, CEMASTEA, Dr. Pius Mutisya, urged the officers to apply the skills they acquired in the training to address the current challenges faced by learners in the classroom.
Dr Mutisya further urged officers to address the real issues affecting schools, including escalating incidents of fire and unrest, by offering professional solutions, saying quality assurance officers have the power to curb behaviour that negatively affects learning institutions.
He spoke during the closing ceremony of a three-day capacity-building programme for Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs) at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), Karen, Nairobi.
“Quality Assurance Officers have the power to solve issues affecting our learning institutions,” said the Chair.
Dr Mutisya expressed optimism that the workshop achieved its mandate, noting that officers will henceforth strengthen learner-centred classroom practices, conduct meaningful lesson observations, support teachers and reinforce effective curriculum implementation in schools across the country.
He noted that learner welfare remains a critical component of school inspections, especially in light of recent incidents of unrest and safety concerns in learning institutions.
Dr Mutisya challenged the officers to ensure that the knowledge gained during the training translates into improved support for teachers and learners. “I am aware that the workshop has enhanced your capacity to evaluate lessons for effective teacher support, describe learner-centred approaches and develop strategies for supporting teachers in your respective areas,” he said.
He emphasized the need to strengthen STEM education through experiential learning, innovation and creativity, urging officers to take leadership in transforming how STEM is delivered in schools.
“You hold the key to transforming teachers’ perception and improving the interpretation of the STEM curriculum. Implement the lessons learned and ensure quality learning in schools,” said the Chair.
He further encouraged officers to develop clear action plans to implement outcomes from the workshop, adding that such efforts would strengthen STEM delivery at the county and school levels.
Mutisya also emphasized the importance of a supportive approach in school supervision, calling on officers to treat teachers with professionalism and a human face.
“The term ‘Inspectors’ has changed to ‘Quality Assurance Officers’ and this means you should support, guide and help teachers improve,” he said.
The three-day workshop, held from June 10 to 12, 2026, was themed “Enhancing the Capacity of Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs) to Monitor and Support Teachers of STEM Subjects for Effective Implementation of Competency-Based Education”.
The training aimed at strengthening QASOs’ ability to observe classroom lessons, provide constructive feedback and support teachers in improving the delivery of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Participants were also equipped with skills to promote learner-centred teaching approaches, mentor teachers toward better classroom practice and support the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, particularly at the junior secondary level.
While closing the workshop, he expressed confidence that the training would strengthen the capacity of officers to support STEM education across the country.
By Ian Chepkuto
