The Ministry of Education (MoE), in collaboration with Tenwek High School, will host a high-profile mentorship seminar from Saturday, August 2 to Wednesday, August 6, 2025, aimed at guiding Junior Secondary learners from Bomet and neighbouring counties on Grade 10 selection and the three Competency-Based Education (CBE) pathways.
The programme is part of the government’s nationwide sensitisation initiative as the current Grade 9 cohort prepares to transition into Senior School next year under the Competency-Based Education (CBE).
The five-day residential workshop will bring together learners, teachers, education experts, curriculum developers, psychologists, and motivational speakers to equip boys and girls with the vital skills and knowledge necessary for Senior School expectations. It is designed to help learners make informed decisions on their future academic and career paths.
The Grade 9 students, who are currently in primary schools, will take their national assessments later this year and proceed to Grade 10 in 2026. As they transition into a new CBC structure, they will be required to select one of three pathways—STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Social Sciences, or Arts and Sports Science—which will guide their studies from Grades 10 to 12.
“This is part of the government’s round-the-clock programme to shape and equip learners with critical knowledge as they prepare to enter uncharted Grade 10 classrooms,” said a MoE official involved in planning the event. Learners will be mentored on key transition areas, including content coverage, appropriate teaching methods, types of schools that offer specific pathways, assessment formats, and career mapping.
Tenwek High School was identified as the host due to its national status and proven record in science and technical education. Its Principal, Mr. Mutali Chesebe, expressed pride in the school’s selection. “The Junior School has been facing teething problems. It is from this context that Tenwek High School, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has identified your school and invited our Junior School students to attend and be mentored,” he wrote in an invitation to school heads and education stakeholders.
Mr. Chesebe, who took over as Principal in 2014, is credited with transforming the institution into a centre of excellence. “I appeal to stakeholders and parents from the community to send their boys and girls to attend the forum in large numbers, since such auspicious occasions normally happen in different big schools,” he said. He added that the event will not only expose students to high-quality mentorship but also give them a chance to tour ongoing technical projects at the school, including workshops in electricity, power mechanics, woodwork, and computer technology—programmes he introduced after his stint at Alliance High School.
Each participant will be required to pay KSh 4,000 to cover accommodation, meals, learning materials, certificates, and facilitator appreciation. However, Chesebe urged Members of Parliament to support students through the NG-CDF and called on churches and well-wishers to contribute to those unable to afford the fee.
“This is a replica mentorship like the one used to be held at Alliance High School between 2012 and 2016. It’s now being hosted here at home – Tenwek High School, the school we love the most,” Mr. Chesebe said.
The event will kick off with student registration and settling in on Saturday, followed by a Sunday devotion and official opening led by the County Director of Education, Bomet. On the same day, MoE and TSC officials will introduce the CBC pathways and discuss the structure of assessments. Experts from KICD will break down the terminologies, teaching approaches, and types of schools that support different pathways.
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Renowned educationist Mr. D.G. Kariuki, former Principal of Alliance High School and now Chief Principal at Merishow School in Kajiado, will discuss values, discipline, and the mindset required for students to thrive in the 21st century. “The 21st century demands a different kind of student—curious, ethical, adaptable. We must prepare them early,” he said.
Monday’s sessions will include a career talk by Dr. Silas Mwirigi, Chief Principal of Kagumo High School, followed by a presentation from Dr. Ann Kagunda, a psychologist and lecturer at Moi University, who will discuss the challenges teenagers face.
“This is not just about academics. It’s about giving learners clarity on their journey ahead. We want them to leave here empowered and informed,” said Mr. Wesley Mitey, the school’s Deputy Principal in charge of Academics.
CJ Joan Cherotich, a young advocate at the High Court, will offer insights into law and Social Sciences careers. The afternoon will feature student poetry, mashairi, and performances from invited artists.
On Tuesday, Md. Rosemary Wanaswa, former Chief Principal of Moi Girls Eldoret, will speak on Social Arts, and a senior official from TVET will lead discussions on the STEM pathway. The school chaplain will later address the role of faith and values in shaping personal growth.
Wednesday’s closing will begin with a devotion, followed by a motivational address by Joe Mwangji, and a certificate ceremony presided over by the TSC County Director.
Board Chairman Rev. Reuben Koech praised the initiative as a reflection of Tenwek’s broader mission. “We have a responsibility as a national school to guide young learners—boys and girls—towards becoming productive and morally grounded citizens,” he said.
Schools have been asked to confirm their participation two weeks before the event by contacting the coordinators. All students are required to attend in uniform and must be accompanied by a teacher or parent. Teachers and parents may attend for free, but will need to arrange their accommodation outside the school.
The mentorship seminar is poised to become a flagship programme for the region, bridging the knowledge gap ahead of the 2026 CBC Senior School rollout and ensuring that learners are well prepared for academic and life success.
By Ken Langat and Joseph Mambili
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