State urged to boost funding for teacher training under CBC

State urged to boost funding for teacher training under CBC

The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa has urged the national government to give priority to and increase funding for the retraining and retooling of teachers.

This is to guarantee effective implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum as it continues to be rolled out nationwide.

The CBC, which has replaced the longstanding 8-4-4 system, seeks to cultivate learners’ abilities and talents through a more practical, student-centered approach.

It strongly emphasizes developing competencies like critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills deemed essential for learners in the 21st century.

According to CEMASTEA’s deputy coordinator for STEM, Martin Mungai, there is an immediate need to enhance teachers’ capacity through ongoing professional development.

Speaking at the conclusion of a week-long workshop for secondary school principals in Lamu county, Mungai highlighted that the CBC’s success—especially as it transitions into higher junior secondary grades—largely relies on how well teachers are prepared to effectively implement the new curriculum.

“With the CBC now advancing into Grade 10, the government must act promptly to ensure teachers receive ample support. This includes not only training in content delivery but also providing them with the necessary resources and infrastructure such as science laboratories, digital learning materials, and teaching aids,” Mungai stated.

He pointed out that the CBC, which emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), necessitates a change from traditional teaching methods to more practical, hands-on learning techniques.

For this transition to succeed, teachers must have access to continuous training opportunities that keep them aligned with the curriculum’s evolving requirements.

“There is a genuine need for teachers, especially those in Junior Secondary Schools, to partake in refresher training. This will empower them to handle STEM subjects more confidently and ensure learners receive high-quality education under the CBC model,” he added.

Mungai also highlighted the necessity of a mindset shift among educators, urging them to positively embrace the CBC.

He recognized that change frequently comes with challenges but reiterated that with the right support systems established, teachers can become the strongest advocates for the new curriculum.

“Teachers must engage with the CBC with a sense of ownership and purpose. Their attitude towards the curriculum will either impede or facilitate its successful implementation,” he emphasized.

Lamu county deputy director of education Shumi Ali Mohammed stressed the significance of workshops like the one conducted in Lamu, noting that they are crucial in demystifying the CBC and equipping school leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary for curriculum implementation.

She also pointed out that the success of the CBC is not solely the responsibility of teachers; it requires a collaborative effort involving school administrators, parents, and the wider community.

Shumi disclosed that the Ministry of Education is additionally working to improve sensitization efforts at the county and subcounty levels to ensure all stakeholders are unified in supporting the curriculum.
“We are promoting conversation and raising awareness among parents and guardians, so that they can also take an active part in their children’s educational journey under CBC. The curriculum is structured to be centered around the learner, which implies that all participants in a child’s education must comprehend and endorse the approach. ”