Evaluating Teaching Practice in Kenya: Successes and Failures

Abstract

Although there have been significant reforms, Kenya's education system still faces many obstacles. Inadequate funding, an ongoing teacher shortage, and opposition to educational reform are substantial problems that impede the achievement of academic objectives and student results. This study thoroughly analyses Kenya's educational landscape, considering professional development, CBC implementation, technology integration, teacher preparation, and assessment techniques. The study provides a nuanced analysis of Kenya's educational landscape by identifying successes and challenges within these domains. The study adopts a qualitative approach, including a thematic analysis of qualitative data, secondary data analysis, and a literature review. Government reports scholarly works and international evaluations are examples of secondary data sources that offer a solid basis for the study. The results indicate that professional development initiatives have significantly improved teacher competencies and instructional practices. The CBC has received positive feedback for integrating practical skills and critical thinking into the curriculum. Technology integration has improved student engagement and interactive learning, as demonstrated by programmes such as the Digital Literacy Programme. Still, there are enduring difficulties. Effective teaching is hampered by a lack of resources, made worse by a shortage of teachers and unequal access to technology, especially in rural areas. Educator resistance to implementing new curricula and methods makes reform initiatives even more challenging. Kenya's education system still faces significant obstacles that must be overcome to improve instructional strategies. Sustained improvement requires addressing teacher shortages, improving resource allocation, and overcoming resistance to change. These efforts are crucial to ensure equitable access to quality education and prepare students for future difficulties. The study recommends increasing funding and equitable distribution of resources to enhance infrastructure and teaching materials; implementing strategies to recruit and retain qualified teachers, providing ongoing professional development; expanding access to technology and providing comprehensive training for educators to maximize its educational benefits; fostering a culture of innovation through awareness programs, incentives for educators, and collaborative policymaking. This article intends to add to the continuing discourse on educational reform in Kenya, presenting insights and ideas to guide policy decisions and create positive change in the education sector