The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced a nationwide retooling programme for senior school teachers in preparation for the rollout of Competency-Based Education (CBE) at senior secondary level.
The retooling exercise, scheduled to run from 28th July to 15th August 2025, will target teachers currently deployed in regular secondary schools, Special Needs Education (SNE) institutions, and vocational training centres who are expected to teach Grades 10 to 12 beginning January 2026.
In an internal memo addressed to Regional and County Directors, TSC directed that the face-to-face training be conducted at designated venues across all 47 counties.
The retooling will equip teachers with the pedagogical skills and content mastery necessary for the new senior school learning pathways under the CBC.
“The target participants for retooling are senior school teachers, both in regular and special needs institutions, who will handle aged and stage-based learners in the pathways offered in the CBE curriculum,” the memo reads.
The retooling initiative is expected to cover 55 subjects across three key academic pathways of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – encompassing pure sciences, applied sciences, and technical subjects.
Others are Social Sciences covering languages, humanities, and business studies with Arts and Sports Science including music, visual and performing arts, and physical education.
According to the memo, county directors will be responsible for selecting both the teacher trainees and their trainers, with selection pegged on the number of teachers currently on duty in each institution.
This latest phase follows earlier retooling efforts for teachers at pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary levels, which began in 2019.
With the pioneer CBC cohort now in Grade 9, the upcoming senior school transition in January 2026 will complete the CBC rollout across the basic education cycle.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, speaking at a recent education forum, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for learners and educators alike.
“We have allocated Sh980 million for the retooling of senior school teachers. This is a national priority.
The government is determined to ensure a smooth shift to senior school under CBC, and this includes supporting teachers to acquire the necessary skills,” Ogamba stated.
The senior school component of CBC introduces a pathway-based model, which allows learners to specialize based on their interests, strengths, and career aspirations.
The pathways are designed to promote holistic learning, talent development, and skills application in real-life contexts.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori lauded the retooling plan as timely, warning that any delay could undermine the quality of learning in senior secondary schools.
“Teachers need to internalize the CBC philosophy, methodology, and assessment systems. A last-minute rush would be detrimental to learners who are counting on a smooth and effective senior school experience,” said Misori.
