County Encourages Teachers in Nairobi to Adopt Competency-Focused Teaching

On April 24, 2025, Nairobi County joined national efforts to promote competency-focused teaching, urging educators to embrace learner-centered approaches aligned with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
During the National Dialogue on Competency-Based Education (CBE) held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on April 24, 2025, the Ministry of Education—alongside Nairobi County officials—called on teachers to adopt competency-focused teaching strategies that prioritize skills, values, and real-world application. The event, led by Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok, emphasized the need for educators to shift from content delivery to facilitating critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity in classrooms. Nairobi’s education leaders echoed this call, highlighting the county’s role in piloting CBC innovations and supporting teacher development.
The push for competency-focused teaching is grounded in the CBC framework, which redefines learning outcomes around seven core competencies, including communication, self-efficacy, and digital literacy. In Nairobi, sub-counties such as Westlands have already begun integrating digital tools and project-based learning into junior school programs. A study by the University of Nairobi in early 2025 found that teachers’ digital literacy significantly influenced CBC implementation, especially in urban schools with access to technology.
To support this transition, Nairobi County has partnered with teacher training colleges and NGOs to offer workshops on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), formative assessment, and inclusive instruction. Teachers are encouraged to design lessons that reflect real-life scenarios, promote learner agency, and use continuous assessment tools like portfolios and rubrics. Education officers have also introduced school-based mentorship programs to help teachers adapt to the new pedagogy.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Teachers cite limited infrastructure, large class sizes, and gaps in CBC training as barriers to full adoption. Nairobi County officials have pledged to address these issues through targeted resource allocation, professional development, and stakeholder engagement. Competency-focused teaching is not just a policy—it’s a mindset shift, said a curriculum support officer during the April forum.