Kenya allocates Ksh. 950 million for teacher retooling to support the rollout of Competency-Based Education (CBE), as over 300,000 teachers undergo training and 24,000 more teachers join by January 2026.
To support the transition to Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, the government has earmarked Ksh. 950 million for teacher retooling and professional development. This injection of resources is central to strengthening teacher capacity, ensuring that new recruits and veteran educators alike are equipped with modern pedagogical skills.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos confirmed the allocation during World Teachers’ Day commemorations, noting that the funds would support training programs aligned with the evolving demands of curriculum delivery. “We need teachers to adapt to new skills under the CBE curriculum,” he said, highlighting that teaching today extends beyond content delivery to fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and application of knowledge.
TSC Chair Jamleck Muturi added that over 300,000 teachers have already undergone retooling, with the final cohort expected to complete training by December. He said these programs involve workshops, in-service courses, and continuous professional learning models that target both newly recruited and existing teachers.
The timing of this investment dovetails with a major recruitment drive: by January 2026, 24,000 new teachers will be deployed in classrooms nationwide, adding to 76,000 already employed under the government’s reform plan. The training funds aim to guarantee that both new and seasoned teachers are prepared to deliver quality education under CBE guidelines.
The retooling initiative is integral to Kenya’s broader education agenda. As the country shifts from rote-based instruction to a competency-based framework, teachers must embrace new methodologies such as formative assessment, learner-centered instruction, digital literacy, and differentiated learning.
The Ksh. 950 million allocation will support a variety of modalities—including in-school coaching, peer learning communities, distance courses, and blended learning tools. These flexible channels can reach educators in remote counties, ensuring equity in professional development access.
Muturi stressed that developing teaching capacity is as crucial as recruitment or promotions. “It’s not enough to bring teachers into classrooms; they must be empowered to teach effectively within the new curriculum,” he emphasized.
The retooling budget also reflects commitment to sustainability. Continuous training ensures educators stay abreast of innovations in pedagogy, assessment, and technology. It also helps enhance job satisfaction and retention, key factors in improving overall education outcomes.
By pairing the recruitment of 24,000 teachers with robust training funding, Kenya seeks to lift both the quantity and quality of its teaching workforce. The Ksh. 950 million retooling investment represents a strategic cornerstone in advancing educational excellence and fulfilling the promises of the CBE era.
