Concerns over lack of specialised teachers ahead of senior-school transition

As Kenya prepares for the first large-scale rollout of the senior secondary level under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2026, the government has acknowledged a shortage of specialized teachers. This gap is causing concern among parents, educators, and stakeholders, as many junior secondary graduates will enter senior secondary schools without adequate guidance and instruction in specialized subjects.
Key Points:
Teachers for senior secondary CBC subjects are in short supply, raising concerns about quality education and smooth transition.
Parents and the public express frustration, with some suggesting a return to the old 8-4-4 system due to perceived confusion and unpreparedness.
Calls have been made to employ existing trained CBET (Competency-Based Education and Training) teachers to fill the gap in senior schools.
The first cohort of CBC learners has faced challenges since the system’s inception, highlighting long-standing implementation issues.
Implication:
Without addressing the teacher shortage and providing sufficient training for specialized subjects, the senior school transition risks undermining the goals of the CBC, potentially affecting student outcomes and national education standards.