The Ministry of Education has rolled out a nationwide free CBC training for teachers programme aimed at equipping educators with critical skills needed to implement the Competency-Based Curriculum effectively. The initiative, announced in early January 2026, targets primary and junior secondary school teachers who require updated knowledge on learner assessment and curriculum delivery.
This development comes as Kenya continues its full transition to CBC across all education levels. The training focuses heavily on continuous assessment skills, which remain a challenge for many teachers who were trained under the old 8-4-4 system. Education stakeholders have welcomed the move as a necessary step toward improving learning outcomes and ensuring uniform curriculum implementation nationwide.
What Has Been Announced
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), has launched a comprehensive teacher capacity building programme offering free access to online CBC courses and in-person workshops.
The training programme includes several key components:
- CBC assessment training covering formative and summative evaluation methods
- Digital literacy modules for teachers in rural and urban areas
- Continuous assessment skills development focusing on rubrics and learner portfolios
- Subject-specific training for Grade 7 to Grade 9 teachers transitioning to Junior Secondary
Registration opened on January 6, 2026, through the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) online portal. The first phase targets 150,000 teachers and will run until March 2026. Subsequent phases will accommodate remaining educators by June 2026.
KNEC teacher capacity building sessions will be delivered both online and at designated regional centres across all 47 counties. Teachers will receive certificates upon completion, which will be recognized for TSC career progression purposes.
Who Is Affected and How
The free CBC training for teachers affects educators at multiple levels of Kenya’s education system.
Primary school teachers teaching Grades 1 to 6 will benefit from updated methods on how to assess learners using competency-based rubrics rather than traditional exams. Many have struggled with the continuous assessment model introduced under CBC.
Junior secondary teachers in Grades 7, 8, and 9 are prioritized because they are handling the first full cohort of CBC learners who have never experienced the 8-4-4 system. These teachers require specialized training in subject clustering and integrated learning approaches.
Head teachers and school administrators are also included in leadership modules that focus on curriculum supervision, resource management, and community engagement under the CBC framework.
Teachers in marginalized counties such as Turkana, Mandera, and Samburu will receive additional support through offline learning materials and localized training sessions conducted in partnership with county education boards.
The programme is mandatory for all TSC-employed teachers but is also open to private school educators who wish to participate voluntarily.
Official Statements and Clarifications
The Ministry of Education emphasized that the free CBC training for teachers is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at professionalizing teaching and improving education quality in Kenya.
Officials from KICD clarified that the online CBC courses have been designed to be accessible even in areas with limited internet connectivity. Downloaded modules and mobile-friendly formats will allow teachers to learn at their own pace.
KNEC representatives confirmed that the training aligns with the national assessment framework and will prepare teachers for upcoming changes in how learner progress is tracked and reported. The Council is working to harmonize school-based assessments with national standards to ensure consistency.
The Teachers Service Commission has assured educators that participation in the programme will not interfere with teaching schedules. Most sessions are designed for evenings, weekends, and school holidays. Teachers who complete the training will earn Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points that count toward promotions.
No official has suggested that failure to complete the training will result in penalties, but TSC has indicated that certified teachers will be given priority for curriculum leadership roles and future capacity building opportunities.
What Parents and Schools Should Do Next
Parents should encourage teachers at their children’s schools to register for the free CBC training for teachers if they have not already done so. Informed teachers deliver better learning experiences, which directly benefits learners.
Schools are advised to take the following steps:
- Ensure all teaching staff are aware of the registration process through the TSC portal
- Designate a CBC coordinator to track teacher participation and certification
- Provide internet access or transport support for teachers attending regional training centres
- Create time within school schedules for teachers to complete online modules without overburdening them
School Boards of Management should allocate small budgets to facilitate teacher participation, especially for printing materials or covering transport costs to training venues.
Parents can monitor whether their children’s schools are actively involved by asking head teachers about teacher training participation rates during school meetings.
The registration deadline for the first phase is January 31, 2026. Teachers should visit the TSC portal or contact their county education offices for assistance.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is the CBC training really free for all teachers?
Yes, the training is completely free for all TSC-employed teachers. Private school teachers can also access online CBC courses at no cost, though they may need to cover transport if attending physical sessions.
How long does the training take to complete?
The full programme takes approximately 40 hours spread over six to eight weeks. Teachers can complete modules at their own pace, especially for online components.
Will teachers receive certificates after completing the training?
Yes, KICD and KNEC will issue certificates to all teachers who complete the programme. These certificates are recognized by TSC for career progression and CPD points.
What if a teacher has no internet access for online CBC courses?
Offline materials are available through county education offices. Teachers can also attend regional centres where computer labs and internet access are provided free of charge.
Does this training cover continuous assessment skills?
Yes, a major focus of the programme is continuous assessment skills, including how to design formative assessments, use rubrics, and maintain learner portfolios effectively.
Can retired teachers or those in private practice join the training?
Retired teachers are not prioritized, but private school educators are welcome. The programme is designed primarily for active classroom teachers handling CBC learners.
What This Means for Kenya’s Education System
The launch of free CBC training for teachers represents a significant investment in educator capacity, addressing one of the most persistent challenges since CBC was introduced in 2017. Teacher unpreparedness has been cited as a key barrier to successful curriculum implementation, particularly in rural schools.
By focusing on continuous assessment skills and KNEC teacher capacity building, the government is acknowledging that assessment methods under CBC require a fundamental shift in teacher mindset and practice. Traditional exam-focused teaching must give way to ongoing learner observation and skill development tracking.
This initiative also aligns with Kenya’s commitments under the Global Partnership for Education and the government’s goal of achieving quality education for all by 2030. Well-trained teachers are essential for realizing CBC’s promise of producing learners with critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills rather than rote memorization.
The programme’s success will depend on sustained funding, teacher motivation, and accountability mechanisms to ensure knowledge gained translates into improved classroom practice. Education experts are watching closely to see whether completion rates remain high and whether learner outcomes improve in subsequent assessments.
Conclusion
The rollout of free CBC training for teachers is a timely and necessary intervention as Kenya deepens its commitment to competency-based education. With 150,000 teachers set to benefit in the first phase, the programme has the potential to transform teaching quality and ensure that CBC delivers on its promises.
Teachers are encouraged to register immediately through the TSC portal and take full advantage of the online CBC courses and regional training sessions. Parents and school leaders should support educators in accessing this critical professional development.
For the latest updates, teachers should regularly check the Ministry of Education website, TSC portal, and official KICD channels. This is an opportunity that will strengthen Kenya’s education system for generations to come.
