A total of 120 teachers from selected junior secondary schools in Vihiga County are undergoing a three-day training under the Centre for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education in Africa programme at Kaimosi Girls High School.
The teachers, from various schools sampled across the County, include three representatives from each institution and are being equipped with skills to improve the teaching of STEM subjects.
Speaking to KNA, County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer, Joseph Ochieng’, said the training aims at enhancing gender-responsive pedagogy and assessment in STEM through blended learning.
Ochieng’ said the programme is being implemented in four counties, namely Vihiga County, Uasin Gishu County, Nyandarua County and Tharaka Nithi County.
He noted that the training seeks to address gender disparities in STEM by encouraging teachers to adopt inclusive approaches in the classroom.
“The training is gender-focused and aims to ensure that learners are given equal opportunities regardless of gender,” he said, adding that although a 50:50 gender representation was targeted among participants, it was not fully achieved.
The programme is sponsored by VVOB, which supports education development initiatives.
Ochieng’ said participants will undergo a 120-hour training conducted in phases, covering areas such as blended learning in STEM, assessment in digital learning environments and gender-responsive pedagogy.
He added that most of the teachers attending the training have STEM subject combinations, while others handle subjects such as integrated science, agriculture, nutrition and pre-technical studies in junior secondary schools.
The Standards Officer said the training is expected to improve the quality of STEM teaching, enhance digital competencies among teachers and promote gender equity in classrooms.
He further noted that the programme aligns with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, which emphasizes digital literacy as a core competency.
Ochieng’ said teachers will continue receiving support through mentorship, monitoring and evaluation, as well as communities of practice to sustain the gains made during the training.
He added that follow-up activities will be conducted in the next six to eight weeks to assess implementation in schools.
By Florence Oteng’o
