The County Government of Trans Nzoia County has launched a comprehensive Competency-Based Education (CBE) retooling programme targeting Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers as part of efforts to strengthen foundational learning across the county.
The training, spearheaded by the Department of Education and Vocational Training, officially kicked off in Kiminini Sub County and seeks to equip ECDE teachers with modern teaching skills aligned to the recently reviewed education curriculum.
Speaking during the launch, Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member for Education and Vocational Training, Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, said the programme is aimed at enhancing the capacity of teachers to effectively deliver quality education to learners at the foundational level.
“This training is very important because it will resharpen our teachers and ensure that pupils receive the best foundation in learning,” said Mutama.
She noted that the transition from the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) to Competence Based Education (CBE) has necessitated fresh training for teachers to enable a seamless transition for learners from early childhood education to pre-primary school.
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According to the CEC, the county government plans to expand the programme in the next financial year to ensure more teachers are equipped with modern instructional methodologies and classroom management skills required under the new system.
Mutama revealed that the county targets to train more than 3,760 ECDE teachers across all sub-counties, with the sessions being decentralised to enhance accessibility and participation.
She further disclosed that teachers who complete the programme will receive teaching and learning materials to support classroom instruction and improve learner outcomes.
In a bid to further support ECDE institutions, the county government has also commenced the distribution of exercise books, pencils and chalk to learning centres across the county.
The initiative, according to Ms. Mutama, is intended to ease the burden on teachers who often purchase teaching materials using personal resources while also encouraging increased enrolment in ECDE centres.
“We want to create a conducive learning environment for our children and support teachers so they can focus fully on teaching,” she said.
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The Education CEC also announced plans to organise an ECDE teachers’ forum that will bring together educators from across the county for engagement and recognition of their contribution to the education sector.
She said the event will provide an opportunity for teachers to interact with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, whom she described as a strong supporter of early childhood education.
“Governor Natembeya has the issues of ECDE teachers at heart because they form the foundation of our future generations,” she said.
On staffing, Mutama confirmed that the county government has allocated funds in the current financial year to recruit additional ECDE teachers in a move aimed at reducing the pupil-teacher ratio in learning institutions.
Trans Nzoia County Director of ECDE, Peter Omonya, welcomed the programme, saying it comes at a critical time when the county is experiencing teacher shortages following retirements.
Deputy Director Pacifica Ochichi also praised the initiative, noting that strengthening teacher capacity is key to improving the quality of foundational learning.
At the same time, Omonya cautioned teachers against falling victim to fraudsters claiming to offer employment opportunities within the county government.
He advised job seekers to only rely on official communication from the County Public Service Board, which is legally mandated to advertise and recruit county staff.
“Teachers should wait until vacancies are officially advertised by the County Public Service Board to avoid being conned,” he warned.
The retooling programme is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the quality of early childhood education in Trans Nzoia by ensuring teachers are adequately prepared to implement the new curriculum effectively.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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