Primary school heads have sounded the alarm over widening infrastructure gaps and uneven teacher deployment in schools across the Country, urging the government to act swiftly to ensure a smooth transition to Senior School
The over 15,000 teachers, who convened in Mombasa for the three-day Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) meeting said that for the success of the implementation of the Competency Based Education and Senior School transition, the government must fix the alarming loopholes.
Delegates from more than 23,000 primary schools across the country cited inadequate laboratories, workshops, and ICT facilities—particularly in remote areas and for learners with special needs—as major obstacles to effective CBE implementation.
KEPSHA National Chairman Fuad Ali said limited funding predictability, uneven teacher deployment, and gaps in retooling teachers in specialised areas continue to hinder progress. He also called for stronger parental engagement in learner profiling and pathway choices.
“We are grappling with serious infrastructure and staffing gaps, especially in marginalised regions. These challenges demand urgent government intervention and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure no child or school is left behind,” Ali said at Sheikh Zayed Hall, Mombasa.
ALSO READ:
Murang’a JSS teachers protest over reduction of capitation, failure to upgrade interns
The conference, themed “CBE Transition: Celebrating Achievements, Strengthening Leadership, and Shaping the Future of Learning,” is being viewed as a key milestone for many years. “Having journeyed to successfully navigate the first phase of CBE from Pre-Primary I to Grade 9, we are now entering the transformation phase that prepares for the roll-out of Senior School,” said Ali. “This stage demands shared responsibility, coherence and inclusivity among policymakers, educators, parents, and partners.”
The meeting which runs from November 10 to 13, also marked the rebranding of the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (Kepsha) to the Kenya Comprehensive Schools Heads Association (KECSHA), in line with the 2023 Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.
The headteachers are deliberating on four key sub-themes: celebrating achievements in the CBE transition, building bridges for systemic change and policy alignment, strengthening school leadership for Senior School; and shaping future learning through digital, inclusive, and climate smart education.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok is expected to officially open the conference today, while Teachers Service Commission Acting Chief Executive Officer Evaleen Mitei will lead discussions on adaptive leadership and teacher professionalism as the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba expected to close the event on November 13.
The meeting has attracted international exhibitors from Germany, Brazil, and the United States, showcasing innovations in ICT, foundational numeracy, and global best practices in digital learning
By Juma Ndigo
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
