Over 5,000 Teachers Set for AI, Tech Training Ahead of 2026 Senior School Curriculum Rollout

More than 5,000 secondary school teachers will undergo training in artificial intelligence and digital technology starting this August. The training is part of the government’s broader efforts to prepare for the rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum in senior schools from January 2026.

According to Cemastea Director Jacinta Akatsa, the training will target 5,300 teachers expected to lead the implementation of the new system. Laboratory technicians will also be trained to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways.

“In August, we will train 5,300 senior school teachers on technology. We also have another training for laboratory technicians to enhance their skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pathways,” said Akatsa.

The Nairobi-based Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (Cemastea) is also training 2,500 junior school teachers in ICT. The focus is on applying artificial intelligence in lesson planning, student assessments, and classroom engagement.

Akatsa encouraged teachers to bring learners to Cemastea for hands-on science and tech experiences that support the CBE model.

She said Cemastea has played a critical role in supporting curriculum rollout at the junior school level, currently at Grade 9, by training teachers in digital learning, content delivery, and curriculum interpretation.

“But importantly, we have trained them on ICT integration, especially where they are experiencing challenges with equipment in schools. We are now training them on the use of virtual laboratories. The aim is to have teachers overcome the shortage of equipment and to also support experiential learning,” she added.

To date, the institution has trained over 60,000 teachers in various aspects of the new curriculum.

Under the new system, secondary schools will transition into senior schools. Teachers will specialise in one of three pathways, STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts and Sports. However, school principals across the country have expressed concern that many teachers are still unprepared.

An estimated 1.2 million Grade 9 learners will transition into senior school in January 2026. Education officials say many teachers lack the necessary training to support the change.

Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala acknowledged the gap and directed all public universities to start urgent in-service training for secondary school teachers. She warned that current training levels are inadequate for effective delivery of senior school content.

Kenya currently has around 154,200 secondary school teachers.

Prof Winston Akala, Principal of Koitaleel Samoei University College, also urged the government to introduce teachers to new content early. He said teachers need enough time to adjust to the senior school model.

The Cemastea training initiative is seen as a key step toward bridging the gap, especially as Kenya’s education system shifts toward digital, skills-based learning driven by emerging technologies like AI.