TSC Starts retooling Of 20,000 JSS Intern Teachers On CBC And CBA. Here’s The New Guidelines For Interns

TSC Starts Retooling Of 20k JSS Intern Teachers On CBC & CBA .

TSC Starts Retooling Of 20k JSS Intern Teachers On CBC & CBA . TSC Retools 20,000 JSS Intern Teachers for CBC and CBA: A Step Towards Addressing Teacher Shortages .

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has embarked on a massive retooling program for 20,000 Junior Secondary School (JSS) intern teachers, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Competency-Based Assessment (CBA). This initiative, which began in January 2025, aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills to handle the demands of the CBC, particularly as Grade 8 learners transition to Grade 9.

The retooling program comes at a critical time when Kenya’s education sector is grappling with a severe shortage of teachers, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. With the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education, this initiative is a step in the right direction.

The Scope of the Retooling Program

The 20,000 JSS intern teachers, recruited in December 2024 at a cost of Ksh 4.8 billion, reported to schools on January 6, 2025. Their training, conducted at the sub-county level, focuses on CBC and CBA methodologies, with a particular emphasis on STEM subjects. The Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), now a department under the Ministry of Education, is spearheading the training.

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According to TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia, the commission requires a total of 149,350 teachers to handle Grades 7, 8, and 9 effectively. So far, TSC has employed 76,928 teachers for JSS, representing 51.5% of the required workforce. The retooling program is expected to bridge this gap by preparing intern teachers to deliver quality education under the CBC framework.

Addressing the Science Teacher Shortage

One of the most pressing challenges in Kenya’s education system is the shortage of science teachers. During a recent appearance before the National Assembly Education Committee, Dr. Macharia highlighted the disparity between the number of arts and science teachers.

“Despite having over 400,000 unemployed teachers nationwide, we are struggling to recruit teachers for science subjects,” she said. “Many schools, especially JSS, are not adequately staffed with science teachers, and we rarely receive applications for subjects like Physics.”

To address this issue, TSC prioritized the recruitment of teachers with science subject combinations for the 20,000 intern positions. The retooling program is also tailored to enhance the capacity of these teachers in STEM subjects, ensuring that students receive quality education in critical areas like Mathematics, Integrated Science, Pre-Technical Studies, and Agriculture.

The Role of CEMASTEA in Teacher Training

CEMASTEA has been instrumental in retooling teachers for the CBC since its inception. Since April 2019, the center has retooled 229,292 teachers, including 60,642 JSS teachers between May 2023 and November 2024. The latest training program, which began in January 2025, targets STEM teachers exclusively.

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In a circular dated January 16, 2025, CEMASTEA called for the registration of JSS teachers assigned to teach STEM subjects. The teachers were required to provide their details through a Google Form, ensuring that only those handling STEM subjects participated in the training.

What the Retooling Program Means for Teachers and Students

For teachers, the retooling program is an opportunity to enhance their skills and adapt to the CBC framework. It also provides a pathway for intern teachers to secure permanent positions, as TSC has indicated plans to absorb qualified interns into the mainstream teaching workforce.

For students, the program promises improved learning outcomes, particularly in STEM subjects. With better-trained teachers, students are more likely to develop the competencies required for the 21st-century job market.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While the retooling program is a commendable effort, challenges remain. The shortage of science teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and the high cost of implementing the CBC are some of the hurdles that need to be addressed.

To ensure the success of the program, stakeholders must work together to:

1. Recruit and Retain Science Teachers: Offer incentives such as higher salaries and better working conditions to attract more science teachers.

2. Invest in Infrastructure: Provide schools with the necessary resources, including laboratories and teaching materials, to support STEM education.

3. Enhance Teacher Training: Expand retooling programs to cover more teachers and subjects, ensuring that all educators are well-equipped to handle the CBC.

Conclusion

The retooling of 20,000 JSS intern teachers is a significant step towards addressing teacher shortages and improving the quality of education in Kenya. By focusing on STEM subjects and CBC implementation, the program aligns with the government’s vision of preparing students for the challenges of the modern world.

For teachers, this is an opportunity to grow professionally and contribute to the success of the CBC. For students, it is a chance to receive quality education that equips them with the skills they need to thrive. As the program unfolds, stakeholders must remain committed to addressing the challenges and ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

TSC Starts Retooling Of 20k JSS Intern Teachers On CBC & CBA .