The Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the teaching workforce in Kenya’s Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) as part of broader reforms to enhance the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has announced that the government is addressing long-standing concerns over teacher deployment and subject allocation across the country’s junior schools.
Speaking before the Senate, Mr. Ogamba responded to queries from Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who questioned why some teachers were being compelled to teach subjects outside their area of specialization. The Cabinet Secretary explained that the introduction of the CBC brought with it new learning areas that do not strictly match the previous teacher training programs.
To bridge this gap, Mr. Ogamba assured lawmakers that all Junior Secondary teachers have undergone extensive retooling programs to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the curriculum changes. “Every teacher deployed to Junior School has received both pedagogical and content training tailored to the new CBC structure,” he stated.
The retooling exercise, which covered multiple learning areas, aimed to empower teachers with the flexibility to teach across integrated subjects. The CS emphasized that this initiative not only improves teacher competence but also enhances learning outcomes by ensuring consistency in curriculum delivery.
Mr. Ogamba further revealed that the Ministry has prioritized the recruitment and deployment of teachers in critical areas, including science, mathematics, and technical education. These subjects, he noted, are central to the government’s goal of building a strong foundation in STEM education.
“In our recent recruitment drives, we have given priority to science and technical subject teachers to fill existing gaps in Junior Secondary Schools,” the CS added.
The Ministry’s efforts are part of a broader plan to strengthen the CBC’s implementation through improved teacher capacity and balanced staffing. Education experts have welcomed these reforms, noting that well-trained teachers are essential for the success of the new curriculum and the overall transformation of Kenya’s education system.
