TSC Announces Nationwide Retooling of Senior School Teachers

TSC to Retool Senior School Teachers Nationwide Ahead of CBC Senior Curriculum Rollout

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced a nationwide retooling exercise targeting senior school teachers across the country, as Kenya gears up for the full implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in senior secondary schools starting January 2026.

The face-to-face training programme, which will take place from July 28 to August 15, 2025, aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills and pedagogical approaches to effectively deliver the Competency-Based Education (CBE) model under the new framework.

Who Is Targeted?

According to an internal memo circulated to Regional and County Directors, the training will involve teachers serving in:

• Regular secondary schools
• Special Needs Education (SNE) institutions
• Vocational education and training centres

The County Directors have been tasked with the selection and nomination of teachers as well as trainers of teachers who will facilitate the sessions.

“The County Directors will be required to select teachers for retooling and trainers of Teachers,” the memo reads in part.

Focus Areas of the Training

The retooling programme will focus on aligning educators with the three CBC senior school pathways, which include:

1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
   – Covering pure sciences, applied sciences, and technical subjects.
2. Social Sciences
   – Encompassing languages, humanities, and business studies.
3. Arts and Sports Science
   – Including music, visual and performing arts, and physical education.

This categorization reflects the CBC’s learner-centered approach, which allows students in Grades 10 to 12 to pursue areas aligned with their skills, talents, and career interests.

Why the Retooling Matters

The training is considered a critical final step in the CBC implementation process, following previous retooling phases for:

• Pre-primary teachers
• Primary school teachers
• Junior secondary school educators

With the first CBC cohort set to join Grade 10 in January 2026, the TSC is racing to ensure senior school teachers are well-prepared for the transition.

“The retooling exercise is a critical component in ensuring that teachers are adequately equipped with the skills and knowledge required to effectively deliver the CBC framework in senior secondary schools,” the commission stated.

The CBC model emphasizes hands-on learning, creativity, critical thinking, innovation, and holistic development over rote memorization. Teachers will be expected to facilitate learning rather than simply instruct, guiding students through real-world problem-solving tasks and practical applications of knowledge.

Logistics and Selection Criteria

Training will be conducted at designated venues across counties, with locations selected or procured in coordination with education offices. The number of teachers per school will guide the selection process to ensure adequate coverage across institutions.

While the TSC did not immediately release an official list of venues or trainers, it assured stakeholders that logistical planning is already underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and key education partners.

Background: CBC and the Future of Kenyan Education

The Competency-Based Curriculum was first introduced in Kenya in 2017 to replace the 8-4-4 system. It has since been implemented at:

• Pre-primary level
• Primary (Grades 1–6)
• Junior secondary (Grades 7–9)

The upcoming rollout at senior school marks the final phase of the CBC’s full implementation. Students will now specialize in pathways suited to their strengths, with the long-term goal of producing employable, innovative, and adaptable graduates.

What’s Next?

With only a few months to go before the senior school phase begins, the success of this retooling initiative is expected to significantly influence the rollout’s effectiveness. Teacher unions and education experts have welcomed the move but are urging the government to ensure sufficient resources, transparency in selection, and follow-up support after the training.