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Challenges that Faced Teacher Education in Kenya During the Colonial Period


Authors : Yvonne Wendy; Dr. Peter Gitonga Kimani; Dr. Mary Chepkemoi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3r4ub99b

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3a8kfujx

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar810

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Abstract : Teacher education is a cornerstone in producing competent teachers equipped to deliver quality education that aligns with the national development. Well educated and competent teachers greatly impact the expertise and competencies of their learners. This study examines the challenges that faced teacher education in Kenya during the colonial period, some of which are still prevalent today. The study adopted a historical research design as the phenomenon under study is a historical survey of the challenges that faced teacher education during the colonial period. Secondary and primary sources of data were used. Research instruments used were; Document Analysis and Focus Group Discussions. Qualitative data analysis was used, with documents analysed using both internal and external criticisms. The results revealed that teaching is considered a noble course, and teachers are very key in determining the various aspects of a nation’s developmental scheme. In Kenya, various challenges face teacher education compromising its quality over a period of time. Some of these challenges include limited funds, resources, inadequate infrastructure, uneven admission of the educators across training institutions, inadequate staff and inadequate supervision of the educators during teaching practice. Most of these challenges are witnessed today. The introduction of Competency Based Education has greatly underscored the long-standing gaps in teacher training, teacher preparedness, emphasizing the need for adequate teacher training and preparedness to attain the current educational demands. Despite the challenges in teacher education, it has also experienced considerable success due to the changes in technological, political and social advancements.

Keywords : Teacher Education, Teachers, Challenges, Teacher Training, Learners.

References :

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Teacher education is a cornerstone in producing competent teachers equipped to deliver quality education that aligns with the national development. Well educated and competent teachers greatly impact the expertise and competencies of their learners. This study examines the challenges that faced teacher education in Kenya during the colonial period, some of which are still prevalent today. The study adopted a historical research design as the phenomenon under study is a historical survey of the challenges that faced teacher education during the colonial period. Secondary and primary sources of data were used. Research instruments used were; Document Analysis and Focus Group Discussions. Qualitative data analysis was used, with documents analysed using both internal and external criticisms. The results revealed that teaching is considered a noble course, and teachers are very key in determining the various aspects of a nation’s developmental scheme. In Kenya, various challenges face teacher education compromising its quality over a period of time. Some of these challenges include limited funds, resources, inadequate infrastructure, uneven admission of the educators across training institutions, inadequate staff and inadequate supervision of the educators during teaching practice. Most of these challenges are witnessed today. The introduction of Competency Based Education has greatly underscored the long-standing gaps in teacher training, teacher preparedness, emphasizing the need for adequate teacher training and preparedness to attain the current educational demands. Despite the challenges in teacher education, it has also experienced considerable success due to the changes in technological, political and social advancements.

Keywords : Teacher Education, Teachers, Challenges, Teacher Training, Learners.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - March - 2026

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