To ensure a smooth transition for Grade 9 learners into Senior Schools next year, 109 Secondary School Principals from the Nairobi region have been trained on Competency-Based Education (CBE).
The three-day capacity-building workshop, held at Buruburu Girls Secondary School in Nairobi, was designed to strengthen their readiness for the critical shift in curriculum.
The training focused on equipping them with essential leadership strategies and practical knowledge to effectively implement the CBC framework in their respective schools.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Regional Director of Quality Assurance and Standards-Nairobi (RDQAS), Nancy Afandi, emphasised the crucial role of school heads in implementing curriculum reforms.
“Principals are not just administrators; they are change agents, and this training is meant to ensure they are fully prepared to lead the Grade 9 learners into Senior School under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC),” she stated.
“At this crucial stage, school heads are key to the successful implementation of CBC,” she added, urging them to nurture learners’ potentials and help them to realize their dreams.
Organized by the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), the workshop focused on strengthening school leadership in readiness for the rollout of the new curriculum reforms.
The shift from the 8-4-4 system, which is content-focused and exam-driven, to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which is skills-oriented and learner-centred, requires careful learning, adaptation, and continuous professional development.
CEMASTEA has played a pivotal role in transforming education by championing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in schools by equipping learners with practical, hands-on skills in areas such as robotics, creative coding, mobile application development, and 3Dimensional/graphic design-sparking their interest in technology and innovation.
With the training, the institution is banking on school Heads to drive change, support teachers, and create a conducive environment, all of which are crucial for the successful implementation of CBE.
Director Afandi underscored the importance of onboarding school leadership to enhance a smooth and learner-centered transition.
She divulged that the preparation for learners moving into Senior School required well-prepared institutions, systems, and support mechanisms from teachers and community stakeholders.
“The reason we put you first is because you are integral to our schools. Working with principals will ensure the Ministry of Education succeeds in rolling out the CBC,” she said.
Afandi urged school heads to create a supportive environment for learners to embrace the new system, calling on them to be drivers of the change and ambassadors of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
School heads were engaged in various sessions, including covering the Basic Education Curriculum Framework (BECF), STEM pathways, curriculum design interpretation, infrastructure requirements, and strategies for managing the transition of Grade 9 learners into Senior School.
Themed “Enhancing the Capacity of School Principals to Manage the Transition to Competency-Based Education”, the workshop focused on aligning school leadership with the demands of the Basic Education Curriculum Framework (BECF).
The principals also explored their critical role in mentorship, career guidance, and leveraging ICT to support learning in the new education structure.
The school heads further expressed their commitment to championing a smooth and successful transition process in their respective schools.
Head of Partnerships and Linkages at CEMASTEA, Dr. Mary Sichangi, stated that the world has evolved, and it is crucial for children today to learn contemporary programmes which align with the international job market.
Dr. Sichangi emphasised that school heads should guide learners to identify their strengths, explore various opportunities, and acquire practical skills that align with CBC career pathways.
She highlighted various fields which learners can explore to build promising careers, including seismology, forensic science, game development, robotics engineering, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and digital media, among others.
Kiambu County Trainers Representative, Robert Atsiaya, emphasised that for change to be successful, there must be a focus on the people involved in the process, particularly teachers and learners.
He highlighted that the key role of school Heads was to recognize the need for change, design a clear roadmap, and engage others in the journey of driving that change.
“We have prepared our learners well, and now it’s your turn as leaders (principals) to ensure they are received into schools that understand and support the CBC framework,” he said.
Buruburu Girls Secondary School Chief Principal, Madam Stella Wambua, thanked the event organisers for the rare opportunity to share insights with fellow educators.
Wambua described the workshop as an eye-opener, offering school heads a valuable platform to learn, exchange ideas, and explore practical strategies for better understanding CBC implementation and identifying workable solutions for their schools.
“It was an honour to host you. The sessions were eye-opening, and we leave this place stronger, more informed, and ready to lead,” she said.
Participants also discussed the importance of stakeholder collaboration, especially in guiding learners through the emerging three Senior School pathways: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and STEM.
“We’ve realized this is not something we can do alone. Teachers, parents, communities, and learners themselves must be involved every step of the way,” said one of the principals.
The workshop closed with renewed calls for continuous professional development, peer collaboration, and proactive leadership in navigating the CBC curriculum reforms.
By Ian Chepkuto
