The transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya has brought significant challenges, particularly in addressing the acute teacher shortage in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS).
According to Teachers Service Commission (TSC) CEO Nancy Macharia, only 76,928 teachers are currently employed in JSS, meeting just 51.5% of the total workforce requirement. This leaves a critical gap of 72,422 teachers needed to effectively handle Grades 7, 8, and 9.
The current workforce includes 9,000 teachers hired on permanent and pensionable terms, 8,378 P1 teachers deployed over the last two years, and 39,550 teachers initially recruited as interns who have since been absorbed permanently.
These efforts, though commendable, highlight the enormity of the teacher shortage, which risks compromising the quality of education under the CBC system.
To address this pressing issue, the government has allocated KSh 4.8 billion to recruit 20,000 additional JSS teachers on internship terms starting January 2024. The internship program, which is part of the government’s broader strategy, aims to provide immediate relief to schools grappling with teacher shortages while preparing interns for long-term roles.
The intern teachers will undergo retooling sessions to equip them with the skills required for their new responsibilities.
Furthermore, between May 2023 and November 2024, 60,642 teachers have been trained specifically to handle JSS subjects. This training is part of TSC’s ongoing efforts to ensure that educators are well-prepared to meet the curriculum’s demands and provide students with a well-rounded education.
Despite these interventions, the teacher shortage remains a significant challenge. The recruitment of 20,000 interns will only partially bridge the gap, leaving thousands of students at risk of inadequate instruction.
The TSC has emphasized the need for more sustainable measures, including increased budget allocations and a long-term hiring plan to meet the workforce requirements fully.
As Kenya continues to implement the CBC, addressing the teacher shortage in JSS is crucial to ensuring the success of the curriculum and the country’s educational goals. The government’s commitment to resource allocation and teacher training is a step in the right direction, but more robust strategies are needed to create a fully equipped and efficient teaching workforce.
