Nairobi, Kenya — The government has acknowledged a shortage of specialized teachers as Kenya prepares for the full transition of learners into senior secondary schools under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Education officials warned that the gap in subject-specific teachers, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), could affect the smooth implementation of senior-school pathways starting next year.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba emphasized that while the government has recruited tens of thousands of teachers in recent years, the demand for specialized skills remains high. We are aware that certain subjects require experts, and we are working to deploy and recruit teachers to meet the needs of our senior secondary schools. The transition to CBC is critical, and we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality instruction, Ogamba said. Authorities revealed that schools will soon receive additional support through targeted teacher recruitment drives, mentorship programs, and professional development initiatives to address existing gaps.
Education stakeholders expressed concern over the potential strain on learners during the transition but welcomed the government’s transparency. Teacher unions and school administrators highlighted the urgency of fast-tracking recruitment and upskilling programs to prevent disruptions in learning. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Education plans to strengthen partnerships with universities, technical institutions, and professional bodies to ensure that by 2027, every senior-school learner benefits from competent and well-trained educators, supporting Kenya’s broader vision of an effective and inclusive CBC framework.