CEMASTEA Trains Meru Secondary School Principals on Grade 10 Transition Under CBC

The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) is conducting a three-day workshop for secondary school principals in Meru County. The training aims to prepare school heads for the transition of Grade 9 learners to Senior School in 2026, in line with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) reforms.

The workshop is part of a national effort to ensure principals are fully equipped to manage the transition to Grade 10 beginning next year.

Key Objectives of the Workshop

According to Karani Mbui, the Meru County Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Chairperson, the training focuses on:

• Inducting principals on expectations for Grade 10 learners.
• Guiding school leaders in the classification of learners into the three Senior School pathways:
  1. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – 60% of learners
  2. Social Sciences – 25% of learners
  3. Sports and Arts – 15% of learners

“We are preparing to receive the first Grade 10 cohort next year. CEMASTEA is taking us through the structure and processes involved,” Mbui said.

Expected Outcomes of the Training

By the end of the training, school principals will be able to:

• Describe the Basic Education Curriculum Framework (BECF) for effective CBC implementation.
• Understand the STEM pathway, its tracks, subjects, and school requirements.
• Appreciate their leadership role in ensuring a smooth and informed transition from Junior to Senior School.

Nationwide Implementation

This workshop in Meru is part of a broader initiative being rolled out across 50 centres nationwide, covering all 47 counties. The training is being facilitated by experts from:

• CEMASTEA
• Teachers Service Commission (TSC)
• Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)
• Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)
• County Trainers

Mr. Mbui emphasized that ongoing preparations—including infrastructure development and further training—will ensure schools are ready to accommodate Grade 10 learners in 2026.

“This is just the beginning. The training will continue throughout the year to fully prepare institutions,” he added.