By Glen Adorowa and Rachael Mwaka

[Athi River- June 30, 2025]  This past week, the Daystar University School of Arts and Social Sciences held a two-day seminar for Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers on 27th and 28th June 2025, at the Athi River Campus.

The seminar attracted key players from the education sector including teachers from different schools, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Mwalimu National Sacco, and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

Among the over 30 schools that attended the training were Moi High School Kabarak, Lukenya Boys School, Jabali Christian School, St. Bakita School, CITAM School Woodley, Mutungoni Academy, Acacia Crest Schools, Anthena Schools, and Moi Girls Isinya.

The purpose of the seminar was to familiarize JSS staff with knowledge, practical skills, and professional support to best implement the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) throughout the country.

Among the key facilitators was Daystar University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban P. Ayiro, who was also the keynote speaker for the day.

In his keynote address, the VC gave a presentation on the dilemmas of implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE). He opened his session by sharing about his humble beginnings as a teacher in a small school in Western Kenya, emphasizing the nobility of the teaching profession.

“Life is about service. There is no greater value than positively impacting and changing someone else’s life” said the VC, further cautioning the participants against measuring work solely by monetary reward. He stated that what truly counts is the legacy that one leaves behind.

Delving into the subject of curriculum and instructional materials, Prof. Ayiro highlighted the need for clearly defined and measurable competencies, noting disparities in standards across different regions.

On instructional materials, Prof. Ayiro pointed out the shortage of adaptable and culturally relevant resources. He also cited the resource-intensive transitioning from traditional to competency-based frameworks as an impediment. He also stressed the importance of teacher training in order to maintain quality standards within CBE.

He concluded his presentation by re-affirming his commitment to ensuring that Daystar University’s Education programmes continue to grow and thrive.

The first presentation was made by Mr. Paul Kimwere, a representative of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Mr. Kimwere described the legislation and policies which underpin the new education system, and unpacked the 2-6-3-3 CBC model: 2 years of pre-primary building interaction skills, 6 years of primary school focusing on socialization, 3 years of Junior Secondary School for exploration, and 3 years of Senior School for specialization. He urged the use of ICT outlined the elemental 21st century learner characteristics of creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy, and pushed for gender equality in the classrooms.

In an intensive presentation on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), Mr. Francis Gitonga from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), encouraged teachers to empower and engage learners, as well as promote ethics in learners. He mentioned that CBC is designed to nurture the engagement of every learner through formal, non-formal, and informal dimensions of learning. Mr. Gitonga further challenged the teachers to appreciate the complexity and unique roles of each learner in their classrooms.

In line with the day's theme, Ms. Ann Ngatia from the Kenya National Examinations Council  discussed how KNEC is responding to CBC and the Competency-Based Education (CBE). Ms. Ngatia emphasized the moving from assessment for the purpose of an examination to the more meaningful continuous assessment process based on learner growth. She called on teachers to embrace formative assessment and appreciate its ability to help learners, through evidence-based 21st century education, to master skills, values, and attitudes for competency development.

Mwalimu National Sacco found a moment to address teachers about financial empowerment. They recruited teachers to their Sacco for long-term saving and investment support.

In an exclusive interview with the Infospot, Education HOD Dr. Susan Wandera said the seminar was as a result of the University’s desire to support teachers in getting a clear picture of JSS and CBE, building relations between the University and schools, and giving educators tools to support the effective implementation of the CBC. She indicated that the seminar would be an ongoing event to ensure the continuity of supporting teachers across the country, capacity building and partnerships.

All in all, the Daystar University JSS Teachers’ Seminar served as a powerful platform for learning, sharing, and transformation. With its unique blend of academic rigor, faith-based values, and professional networking, the event affirmed the university’s commitment to shaping educators who are not only well-informed but also inspired to make lasting change.