Senior school teachers across the country are expressing frustration ahead of a five‑day retooling exercise scheduled to begin next Monday, saying the harsh economic climate has left many unable to afford transport to the training venues.
The programme, organized by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), is part of ongoing efforts to prepare teachers for full implementation of the Competency‑Based Curriculum.
Many teachers say their morale is at an all‑time low, citing depleted incomes and rising living costs. Absolom Shivachi, a teacher in Kwale County, said he had received an invitation message from his principal but lacked the means to travel. “I am waiting for a miracle so that I get transport to the venue,” Shivachi said, echoing sentiments shared by teachers in several regions who say their payslips have been eroded by heavy taxation and inflation.
Interviews with TSC field officers reveal that, unlike previous retooling sessions for primary and junior school teachers, which were conducted at the zonal level, senior school teachers will be required to travel daily to sub‑county headquarters for the five‑day training.
ALSO READ:
A KUPPET official from Murang’a County said many teachers were already indicating they might not attend due to lack of transport money.
Concerns over inadequate facilitation are not new. During the August retooling, the Nandi County KUPPET Executive Secretary criticised the commission for offering only KSh500 in daily subsistence, urging TSC to raise the amount to KSh1,000 to reflect the rising cost of travel and meals.
Teachers say the current rates are insufficient and discourage participation in mandatory training.
TSC field officers are finalising venue identification and logistical arrangements, but the process has faced resistance in some sub‑counties. In parts of the North Rift, Nyanza and Western regions, several school principals declined requests to host the workshops, citing strained relations with their boards due to delayed reimbursements from previous trainings.
“In many instances, the exercise has put us at loggerheads with our Board members after the commission delays in offsetting the costs incurred,” said a principal from the North Rift.
ALSO READ:
This is my story: How I rose from loss and pain to triumph in KJSEA
The December 2025 retooling targets nearly 30,000 senior school teachers who have yet to undergo training on the Competency‑Based Curriculum. Trainers of Trainees (ToTs) completed their sessions between December 8 and 12, paving the way for teachers drawn from various learning areas to attend the main training from December 15 to 19.
Despite the importance of the exercise, teachers say the economic realities they face may hinder attendance unless facilitation is improved. Many argue that while the government is pushing for curriculum reforms, the financial burden placed on teachers continues to grow, making it difficult for them to participate fully in professional development programmes.
By Naboth Murunga
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
