The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has so far facilitated training of 229,292 teachers from both public and private schools to effectively implement the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.
This comes as the Ministry of Education prepares for the transition of learners from junior secondary school (JSS) to senior secondary school (SSS) come 2026.
Speaking in Murang’a County Wednesday during a dialogue meeting that brought together key stakeholders in the education sector, TSC official Stephen Kiogora said the commission is still in process of training more tutors to ensure smooth transition to senior secondary schools.
Kiogora underscored the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary skills and concepts to ensure a seamless transition. “For this transition to be successful, teachers must be adequately trained in handling the new curriculum and guiding students effectively through their pathways as they join senior secondary schools,” he added.
Kiogora further noted that the Commission has included digital literacy in teaching and learning by implementing Remote Learning Methods (RLM) and live streaming of lessons.
The live streaming, he explained, will help to cater for shortage of tutors saying the recorded lessons will be used to teach other schools or classes.
On her part, Senior Assistant Director at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Jane Mukuhi addressed the ongoing efforts by the Institute to support teachers in delivering CBC effectively.
“From time to time, KICD will offer training to senior school teachers to equip them with the knowledge and strategies necessary for delivering the curriculum effectively,” said Mukuhi.
She also unveiled a roadmap for senior secondary schools, allowing learners to specialise in career paths based on the three pathways: arts and sports, social sciences and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
She added that KICD has prepared curriculum designs for Grade 10 and will be evaluating Grade 10 books from April.
“The materials include textbooks, workbooks, teacher’s guides, and other learning aids that support complex concepts, preparing students for further education and careers,” remarked Ms Mukuhi.
Murang’a County Director of Education Ms Ann Kiilu highlighted various challenges facing the implementation of the curriculum singling out difficulties in uploading students’ data on the National Education Management Information Systems (NEMIS) as one of the major hiccups.
Ms Kiilu also said lack of enough teachers in different areas such as performing arts and inadequate infrastructure in the schools are issues that need to be addressed as the country prepares to usher senior secondary schools.
“The ministry of education should look into the challenges in the systems and also offer training to more teachers to curb the inadequacy,” she advised.
Ms Kiilu also noted that some parents are yet to fully embrace the new curriculum, urging relevant government agencies to sensitise them on the CBC stressing that parents are the major stakeholders in the implementation of the curriculum.
An official from the Ministry of Education Samuel Ndung’u on his part explained the transition guidelines from junior to senior secondary schools noting that the learners will be placed in schools of their choice based on their selected pathways and tracks.
He added that senior school learners in grades 10 to 12 shall take seven subjects; four being core subjects, which include English, Kiswahili, community service learning, and physical education; three will be chosen based on the learner’s preferred pathway and track.
By Bernard Munyao and Catherine Kamunyo
