State urged to boost funding for teacher training under CBC
The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa has urged the national government to place greater emphasis on and increase funding for the retraining and retooling of teachers.
This effort is aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum as it continues to be rolled out nationwide.
The CBC, which has replaced the long-standing 8-4-4 system, seeks to develop learners’ abilities and talents through a more practical, student-centered approach.
It strongly focuses on building competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills deemed essential for learners in the 21st century.
As stated by CEMASTEA’s deputy coordinator for STEM, Martin Mungai, there is a pressing need to strengthen the capacity of teachers through ongoing professional development.
While speaking at the conclusion of a week-long workshop for secondary school principals in Lamu county, Mungai stressed that the success of the CBC—especially as it transitions to higher junior secondary grades—greatly depends on how well teachers are prepared to effectively implement the new curriculum.
“With the CBC now advancing into Grade 10, the government must promptly ensure teachers are sufficiently supported. This encompasses not just training in content delivery but also providing them with the necessary tools and infrastructure, including science laboratories, digital learning resources, and teaching aids,” Mungai stated.
He pointed out that the CBC, which places a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), requires a movement away from traditional teaching techniques towards more practical, hands-on learning methods.
For this transition to succeed, teachers must receive ongoing training opportunities that keep pace with the changing demands of the curriculum.
“There is a genuine need for teachers, especially those in Junior Secondary Schools, to participate in refresher training. This will equip them to teach STEM subjects more confidently and ensure that learners receive the highest quality education under the CBC model,” he remarked.
Mungai also emphasised the significance of a change in mindset among educators, urging them to adopt a positive attitude towards the CBC.
He recognised that change frequently presents challenges but reiterated that with appropriate support systems in place, teachers can become the most powerful advocates for the new curriculum.
“Teachers must engage with the CBC with a sense of ownership and intent. Their perspective towards the curriculum will either impede or promote its successful execution,” he commented.
Lamu county deputy director of education Shumi Ali Mohammed highlighted the significance of workshops like the one conducted in Lamu, stating that they are vital in clarifying the CBC and equipping school leaders with the knowledge and competencies for curriculum implementation.
She further emphasised that the triumph of the CBC is not solely the responsibility of teachers, but necessitates a joint approach that includes school administrators, parents, and the wider community.
Shumi disclosed that the Ministry of Education is also working to bolster sensitisation initiatives at both county and subcounty levels to ensure all stakeholders are unified in their support of the curriculum.
“We are promoting discussions and the creation of awareness among parents and guardians, so that they can also take an active part in their children’s learning journey under CBC. The curriculum is structured to be learner-centered, which implies that everyone engaged in a child’s education needs to comprehend and endorse the approach. ”