Kenya’s Junior School system is facing a severe teacher shortage that threatens the stability and success of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) rollout. New data from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) shows the extent of the crisis: Junior School requires at least 72,000 more teachers to fully implement the curriculum.
Despite government efforts, including hiring 83,129 teachers so far and planning to recruit an additional 24,000 interns in January 2026, the gap remains alarming. Experts warn that such a deficit severely undermines the principles of CBE, which require intensive learner engagement, practical teaching and specialist instruction, especially in STEM subjects.
The President defended the internship model as a way to progressively hire teachers, noting that Kenya has over 300,000 trained teachers outside formal employment. But critics argue that depending on temporary, low-paid interns is unsustainable and compromises learning quality.
Teachers on the ground confirm that many are overwhelmed by large class sizes, inadequate resources and insufficient support. With many schools lacking the required number of subject specialists, teachers are forced to stretch beyond their competencies.
The teacher shortage also contributes to burnout, absenteeism and reduced learner performance. Education analysts warn that unless staffing is urgently addressed, the country risks crippling its education reforms.
Furthermore, the government’s plan to hire through natural attrition—replacing teachers who leave the service—may not keep up with population growth and rising enrolment numbers.
Stakeholders insist that long-term solutions must include increasing budget allocation to TSC, expanding teacher training in high-demand subjects, fast-tracking confirmation of interns and developing a sustainable staffing framework.
The future of CBE hinges on adequate staffing. Without enough teachers, the promise of learner-centred, skills-based education may remain unrealised. The 72,000-teacher deficit is a wake-up call that demands immediate and comprehensive action.
