Former Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Sogomo has petitioned education authorities to allow Grade 9 learners and junior school teachers to transition to senior schools, igniting fresh debate on the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). His proposal comes amid growing concerns about preparedness, staffing, and infrastructure as Kenya moves closer to the full rollout of senior school under the new system.
Sogomo argues that aligning Grade 9 learners with senior schools would ease the current pressure facing junior secondary institutions, many of which are struggling with limited facilities and unclear administrative structures. He maintains that senior schools are better positioned to offer specialized learning pathways, adequate subject combinations, and improved career guidance for learners at this critical stage. According to him, the transition would bring clarity and stability to the education system.
In his petition, the former TSC boss also called for junior school teachers to be absorbed into senior schools to ensure continuity and effective curriculum delivery. He noted that many of these teachers are already trained and qualified to handle advanced subject content, yet they remain underutilized due to structural gaps in the current framework. Sogomo insists that integrating them into senior schools would not only optimize human resources but also improve learning outcomes.
Education stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to the proposal. Some educationists support the idea, saying it could resolve confusion surrounding the placement of Grade 9 learners and address the shortage of teachers in senior schools. They argue that early integration would allow learners to adjust gradually to senior school expectations while benefiting from better-equipped institutions.
However, critics warn that the transition must be handled carefully to avoid disrupting the CBC timeline. They point out that senior schools are still being established and may not be fully ready to absorb additional learners and staff. Concerns have also been raised about teacher deployment, funding, and the need for clear policy guidelines from the Ministry of Education and TSC.
The Ministry of Education has yet to issue an official response to Sogomo’s petition, but the proposal has intensified discussions on how best to streamline the CBC transition. As Kenya prepares for senior school implementation, the debate highlights the urgent need for practical solutions that prioritize learners, teachers, and institutional readiness. For many parents and educators, the decisions made now will shape the future of basic education for years to come.
By Newshub