Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) successfully hosted a three-day Master Trainers Workshop on the Promotion of Teacher Professional Development through Mobile Learning Platforms, bringing together education experts, teacher trainers, policymakers, and digital learning practitioners from eight Kenyan Universities.
The workshop that ended on Thursday July, 16, 2026, was organized by the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO-IICBA), aimed at equipping master trainers with the knowledge, skills, and innovative approaches required to strengthen teacher professional development through the use of mobile learning technologies.
The initiative aligns with UNESCO’s broader mission of enhancing the quality of education in Africa through capacity building, digital transformation, and lifelong learning opportunities for educators. Over the three days, participants engaged in intensive training sessions, collaborative discussions, practical demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing forums focusing on leveraging mobile technologies to improve teacher training, continuous professional development, and access to quality educational resources.
The workshop also explored strategies for integrating digital learning solutions into teacher education systems to ensure educators remain responsive to the evolving needs of 21st Century learners.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the JKUAT’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi commended UNESCO-IICBA for selecting the institution as the host of the important continental engagement. The Vice Chancellor noted that digital technologies have become indispensable tools in modern education and emphasized the need to empower teachers with innovative skills that can enhance learning outcomes and educational equity.
“Teachers remain the backbone of every education system. By investing in their continuous professional development through accessible and scalable mobile learning platforms, we are strengthening the foundation upon which quality education is built, ” said Prof. Ngumi. “The knowledge shared during this workshop will undoubtedly have a far-reaching impact on classrooms, schools, and communities across Africa,” she added.
The Vice Chancellor further highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote educational innovation, digital literacy, and research-driven solutions to contemporary educational challenges. She encouraged participants to serve as champions of change by cascading the knowledge acquired to fellow educators in their respective institutions and countries.
On her part, Ms. Scheherazade Feddal, the Programme specialist from UNESCO-IICBA lauded the participants for their active engagement and commitment throughout the workshop. She noted that mobile learning platforms offer a cost-effective and flexible approach to teacher professional development, particularly in regions where access to conventional training opportunities may be limited.
“By harnessing digital technologies, teachers can continuously update their knowledge and pedagogical practices, ultimately improving learner outcomes,” said Ms. Feddal
Dr. Joyce Nzulwa, the Deputy Dean of Students at JKUAT, and a participant of the training, expressed appreciation for the workshop, describing it as timely and transformative. She cited the practical nature of the training, exposure to emerging educational technologies, and opportunities for networking with fellow educators as key highlights of the programme.
Dr. Nzulwa further emphasized the importance of collaboration among universities, governments, development partners, and educational organizations in advancing digital learning solutions across Africa.
Among the universities that participated were, JKUAT, Garissa University, Kisii University, Maasai Mara University, Pwani)) University, South Eastern Kenya University, Turkana University College and the Open University of Kenya
The successful hosting of the Master Trainers Workshop further reinforces JKUAT’s growing reputation as a center of excellence in education, innovation, and capacity building. It also underscores the institution’s commitment to supporting regional and global efforts aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning through technology-enabled solutions. With education systems increasingly embracing digital transformation, the workshop marked a significant step toward empowering teachers with the tools, competencies, and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
