Sh17Bn Injection as Govt Accelerates Teacher Training Reforms for CBE Rollout

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced that the government is prioritizing the retooling of teachers and lecturers with the competencies required for CBE implementation.

Speaking during the 6th Biennial Education Evidence for Action (EE4A) and EDF-Kenya Conference at the University of Embu, Ogamba emphasized the need for universities to adjust their curricula and teaching approaches in line with CBE.

“With senior school transition set for next year, higher learning institutions must equip and graduate teachers prepared to deliver CBE effectively,” Ogamba stated.

The CS stressed that learners completing senior school should leave with employable skills and career pathways that ease entry into the job market. He also revealed that the ministry is embracing a data-led strategy through the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS), designed to track learners from early childhood to tertiary level, enabling informed allocation of resources and policy interventions.

The Embu meeting, convened by Zizi Afrique Foundation, brought together more than 61 universities and key education stakeholders under the theme “Revitalizing Education.” Deliberations focused on teacher training, professional growth, and addressing gaps in research and funding.

Ogamba reassured parents that new classrooms and laboratories have already been set up across the country to host Grade 9 students from next year. He further announced that the government will disburse KSh 17 billion in capitation funds this week to support schools, with KSh 5.9 billion earmarked for end-of-year national examinations.

Additionally, the Treasury has released KSh 9.1 billion to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to aid students in universities and TVETs. The CS reaffirmed the government’s confidence in CBC implementation, noting that the curriculum reform journey—launched nine years ago—will be completed in 2029 when the pioneer cohort finishes the cycle.

“With collective support from educators, parents, and partners, CBC will nurture innovative, skilled, and competent learners,” he affirmed.

Zizi Afrique Foundation Executive Director Dr. John Mugo highlighted the urgency of improving teacher training to match CBC requirements. He urged for increased budgetary support for the National Research Fund to enable robust educational research.

“Teachers remain the greatest asset in any education system. An inspired teacher shapes the destiny of a nation,” Mugo said, adding that the discussions came at the right time as the world marks International Teachers’ Day.

Prof. Siliaka Gitonga of the University of Embu echoed this, noting that with targeted training for teacher educators, Kenya could soon position itself as a leader in global teacher education.

The three-day event also marked the launch of the Global Literacy Paper by the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP), which urged structured pedagogy and enhanced teacher professional development to ensure children acquire foundational literacy and numeracy.

The team was hosted by the University of Embu Vice Chancellor Prof Daniel Mugendi.