Nairobi Tutors Seek Additional Training for New Assessment Models

In April 2025, tutors across Nairobi began actively seeking additional training to align with Kenya’s evolving assessment frameworks under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). As the country continues to shift from traditional exam-based evaluation to more holistic, skills-based assessment, many educators—particularly those in teacher training colleges—have expressed the need for deeper understanding and practical tools to implement the new models effectively. These models emphasize continuous assessment, learner portfolios, and performance tasks that evaluate critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration rather than rote memorization. The transition has created a demand for professional development opportunities that equip tutors to guide future teachers in applying these principles in real classroom settings.
To meet this demand, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) launched a nationwide training initiative in April 2025 targeting tutors who will serve as examiners for Teacher Education assessments. The training covers a wide range of programs, including the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE), Diploma in Early Childhood Teacher Education (DECTE), and Diploma in Teacher Education (DTE), as well as the Proficiency Paper and Pedagogy (PP&P) assessments. Tutors are required to complete both online modules and in-person residential sessions, ensuring they are well-versed in CBC-aligned marking schemes and assessment tools. The training fee is set at Ksh 10,500, and shortlisted candidates receive notifications via SMS and the KNEC portal. Participants are expected to review digital materials in advance, allowing for more interactive and practical engagement during the face-to-face sessions.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a critical step toward maintaining the credibility and consistency of Kenya’s teacher certification process. With the CBC now fully rolled out in lower and upper primary and expanding into junior and senior secondary levels, the role of teacher educators has become even more pivotal. Tutors are not only responsible for delivering content but also for modeling assessment practices that reflect the CBC’s learner-centered philosophy. We need to understand how to evaluate competencies, not just content, said a Nairobi-based tutor attending the training. This shift requires a mindset change and a commitment to continuous learning, especially as the education landscape becomes more dynamic and skills-focused.
The broader goal of the CPD initiative is to build a robust cadre of educators who can uphold the integrity of Kenya’s education reforms. By investing in the professional growth of tutors, KNEC and the Ministry of Education aim to ensure that future teachers are prepared to assess learners in ways that are fair, inclusive, and aligned with national goals. Nairobi, as a leading education hub, is expected to set the pace for other counties in implementing these reforms. As more tutors complete the training and return to their institutions, the ripple effect is anticipated to enhance the quality of teacher preparation and, ultimately, improve learning outcomes for Kenyan children.