Nairobi, Kenya — As Kenya fully transitions to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, experts warn that the country’s teacher education framework requires a comprehensive overhaul to meet modern learning demands. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba highlighted the urgent need for reforms during the Teachers’ Education Conference 2025 in Mombasa, emphasizing that teachers are at the heart of delivering quality education under the new curriculum. The gathering brought together Vice Chancellors, Teachers Service Commission officials, policymakers, and education stakeholders to review pre-service training, teacher deployment, and workforce readiness.
Currently, teacher preparation in Kenya faces challenges including outdated training programs, inconsistent standards across institutions, and a disconnect between teacher skills and classroom needs. To address these gaps, the government has mandated upgrades for all P1 and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) certificate holders to diploma level, raised minimum KCSE requirements for entry into teacher training programs, and prioritized STEM competencies. Additionally, new institutions such as the Kenya Teacher Training College and the Kenya School of Teacher and Education Management are being established to streamline both pre-service and in-service teacher education and ensure alignment with labor market demands.
Reactions from education officials and stakeholders have been overwhelmingly supportive. Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala called for teachers to embrace technology and digital learning tools, while PS Esther Muoria stressed the importance of nurturing teachers as mentors and role models. Looking ahead, the government aims to link teacher training with employment, ensuring that by 2027, every graduate teacher receives a formal job offer upon completion of training. Experts argue that these reforms are crucial if Kenya is to achieve a seamless rollout of CBE, improve learning outcomes, and equip students with skills for a rapidly evolving world.