Schools in Malava warn CBE rollout is struggling amid teacher shortages

Schools in Malava Constituency in Kakamega County are facing serious challenges in rolling out the new Competence‑Based Education (CBE) curriculum.

Teacher shortages, inadequate facilities and lack of learning materials are undermining the policy’s success.

This was revealed during a meeting of Principals and Malava MP David Ndakwa

The principals from senior secondary schools painted a bleak picture of the difficulties they encounter daily.

They said many institutions lack the specialist tutors needed for technical subjects, science laboratories to support practical lessons, and even basic equipment such as computers and sports fields.

“We are struggling to implement CBE,” one principal told the gathering, adding that schools simply do not have enough trained teachers or the right facilities to deliver the full curriculum effectively.

Educators also highlighted that while some primary schools boast large playing fields, many senior secondary schools have either very small fields or none at all making it difficult to teach sports science and arts pathways under the CBE framework.

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Another head teacher lamented the lack of computers in their school, noting that under‑utilised machines in nearby technical institutions could be shared to benefit learners if a formal plan were agreed.

In response, Shamberere National Polytechnic Principal Elisha Nyamu offered resources from his institution, saying the polytechnic’s expansive laboratories, tutors and computers could be made available to local secondary schools to support CBE implementation  provided a clear working arrangement is established.

MP Ndakwa promised to take up the issues with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education, urging more teacher recruitment, improved infrastructure and better welfare support for both teachers and students. He also said he would explore using NG‑CDF resources and other funds to expand school facilities.

The MP said TSC and the Ministry of Education should ensure there are enough  teachers, enough computers, sporting facilities and address the issue of limited land for successfully implement the CBE programme.

He further urged school leaders to ensure that ongoing NG‑CDF and government projects are executed to good standards and those contractors are held accountable.

By Our Reporter