Kenya’s education sector is witnessing a quiet revolution as teachers embrace ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence tool, to ease their workload and rethink how lessons and assessments are delivered under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
For years, educators have complained of being overwhelmed by lesson planning, exam setting, and marking. With AI, many are discovering a tool that not only saves time but also sparks creativity. Teachers report that ChatGPT can quickly draft lesson outlines, generate revision questions, and even suggest new teaching approaches tailored to CBC’s competency-driven goals.
Beyond efficiency, AI is helping teachers experiment with personalized learning. By adjusting prompts, educators can create materials suited to different student abilities, making classrooms more inclusive. However, experts caution that while ChatGPT can act as a reliable assistant, human oversight remains critical to ensure accuracy and contextual relevance.
Still, the adoption of AI in Kenyan classrooms raises important questions. Concerns around academic integrity, equitable access, and overreliance on technology loom large. Without clear policies, there is a risk that students may use AI tools as shortcuts rather than aids for critical thinking.
Despite these challenges, the future looks promising. With proper training and responsible use, AI could become a powerful partner for teachers—streamlining their workload while allowing them to focus on what matters most: nurturing students’ skills and creativity.
Kenya now stands at the crossroads of innovation and caution. How educators, policymakers, and students choose to navigate this AI-powered era will determine whether ChatGPT becomes a passing trend or a lasting tool in shaping the future of learning.
