The rollout of Junior Secondary School (JSS) under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has brought a new era of teaching and learning in Kenya. Teachers are now required to go beyond traditional methods and embrace digital tools that promote creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving among learners.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) have emphasized the role of education technology (EdTech) in modern classrooms. This means that JSS teachers need to familiarize themselves with digital tools that make lesson delivery effective while also preparing learners for a technology-driven future.
In this guide, we look at the top digital tools JSS teachers in Kenya can use in 2025, how they work, and the benefits they bring to CBC learning. We will also link these developments to Kenya’s wider digital literacy agenda, which has been supported by the TSC’s reforms and the government’s investment in the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP).
1. Google Classroom
Google Classroom is one of the most widely used learning management systems (LMS) in Kenyan schools. It enables teachers to share assignments, notes, and multimedia resources, provide instant grading and feedback, and communicate with learners and parents efficiently.
The platform integrates seamlessly with other Google tools like Docs, Slides, and Forms. For JSS teachers handling CBC assessments, Google Classroom saves time while ensuring learners remain organized. Its mobile-friendly interface makes it accessible even in schools where laptops are limited.
For teachers interested in understanding how Google tools compare with other suites, see our detailed review: Microsoft vs Google for Kenyan Schools – Which Suite Wins in 2025?
2. Microsoft Teams for Education
For schools that adopt Microsoft’s ecosystem, Teams for Education provides a robust platform. JSS teachers can conduct virtual or hybrid lessons, create subject-specific channels, share files via OneDrive, and track assignments through Class Notebooks.
It is particularly powerful for CBC projects that require collaboration and real-time feedback. Microsoft Teams also supports integration with third-party learning apps, making it versatile for teachers who want to diversify classroom activities.
3. YouTube for Education
Video-based learning is becoming increasingly central to CBC delivery. Teachers can leverage YouTube by using animated videos for science experiments, creating playlists for history or geography lessons, or recording and uploading their own content.
This helps learners engage with concepts visually and improves retention. By curating specific playlists, teachers ensure that learners get accurate and curriculum-relevant information.
For more ideas on using video for teaching, check our earlier post: Watch, Learn, Level Up.
4. Kahoot!
Learning doesn’t have to be boring. Kahoot! turns revision into fun competitions using gamified quizzes. Learners answer questions in real time on their smartphones, making the classroom interactive and vibrant.
Benefits include increased learner engagement, instant feedback, and a fun environment that aligns with CBC’s learner-centered approach.
5. Quizizz
If Kahoot! is perfect for live classroom sessions, Quizizz adds flexibility by supporting self-paced learning. Teachers can assign digital homework, provide auto-marked quizzes, and access detailed reports on learner performance.
This makes it an excellent choice for differentiated instruction in JSS, where learners progress at different speeds. Teachers who adopt Quizizz can easily identify struggling learners and offer targeted support.
6. Edmodo
Although less popular globally than before, Edmodo is still valuable in many Kenyan schools. It functions like a safe social network for education, where JSS teachers can share assignments and resources, encourage class discussions, and promote digital citizenship among learners.
Edmodo’s simplicity makes it effective in resource-constrained schools where advanced platforms may be impractical.
7. MwalimuPlus
Locally developed, MwalimuPlus is one of the best Kenyan EdTech platforms for CBC. It uses artificial intelligence to personalize learning and offers CBC-aligned question banks, gamified quizzes for engagement, and detailed learner performance analytics.
For JSS teachers, this tool is a time-saver during lesson preparation and assessment. By using AI-driven insights, teachers can better understand learners’ strengths and weaknesses.
8. eKasi Smart Class
Another Kenyan innovation, eKasi Smart Class, supports both primary and JSS learners. Its key advantage is offline accessibility, which is a major win for schools in rural areas. Teachers can deliver preloaded CBC content, access interactive multimedia lessons, and track learner progress via dashboards.
This makes it especially useful where internet connectivity is unreliable, ensuring that no learner is left behind in the digital era.
9. Google Forms & Microsoft Forms
Digital forms are simple but powerful tools for JSS teachers. They can be used to create quick quizzes that auto-grade, run class polls for CBC projects, and collect feedback from learners.
These forms reduce marking workload while ensuring teachers gather useful data to improve lesson delivery. In blended learning environments, they also provide evidence of learner participation and progress.
10. TSC & KICD Approved Platforms
The TSC and KICD continue to roll out approved EdTech platforms under the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP). These include e-books, digital libraries, and interactive CBC-aligned content.
These platforms ensure that teachers use curriculum-compliant tools that meet national education standards. They also bridge the gap between private EdTech companies and government policy on classroom innovation.
To learn more about Kenya’s official rollout, check this article: TSC Approved EdTech – What’s New in Kenya’s Digital Literacy Programme 2025.
Comparison Table: Top Digital Tools for JSS Teachers in Kenya
| Digital Tool | Main Features | Benefits for JSS Teachers |
|---|---|---|
| Google Classroom | Assignment management, resource sharing, grading tools | Saves time, easy communication with learners & parents |
| Microsoft Teams for Education | Video lessons, collaboration tools, OneDrive storage | Supports teamwork, ideal for CBC group projects |
| YouTube for Education | Educational videos, playlists, teacher-created content | Makes lessons engaging, visual learning for complex topics |
| Kahoot! | Gamified quizzes, real-time competitions | Fun learning, instant learner feedback |
| Quizizz | Self-paced quizzes, analytics, homework mode | Differentiated learning, CBC-friendly assessments |
| Edmodo | Safe learning network, discussion forums, assignment sharing | Encourages peer-to-peer learning, digital literacy skills |
| MwalimuPlus (Kenyan) | AI-powered quizzes, CBC-aligned content, gamification | Personalized learning, saves teacher prep time |
| eKasi Smart Class (Kenyan) | Offline access, preloaded CBC content, teacher dashboards | Useful in low-internet areas, supports rural schools |
| Google Forms & Microsoft Forms | Auto-graded quizzes, surveys, class polls | Quick feedback, reduces teacher workload |
| TSC & KICD Approved Platforms | E-books, e-libraries, CBC-aligned resources | Provides credible, curriculum-approved materials |
Challenges Teachers Face in Using Digital Tools
Despite the benefits, JSS teachers in Kenya face several challenges when integrating EdTech. Poor internet connectivity in rural areas remains a major barrier. Many learners cannot afford devices, making equitable access difficult. Teachers themselves often lack adequate training in digital teaching methods, and some are resistant to moving away from traditional teaching practices.
Overcoming these barriers requires continuous professional development, government support in infrastructure, and affordable device distribution. Teachers can also explore opportunities to generate income from digital platforms, as explained in Best Online Platforms for Teachers’ Income 2025.
Future of EdTech in JSS Classrooms
Kenya’s EdTech landscape is rapidly evolving. In the near future, we can expect more local innovations like MwalimuPlus and eKasi Smart Class to expand. Artificial intelligence will continue to personalize education, while smart classrooms equipped with digital labs, interactive boards, and even VR simulations will emerge.
Teachers who embrace these changes now will remain ahead of CBC demands and prepare learners for a technology-driven economy. EdTech is no longer optional—it is central to classroom success.
Final Thoughts
For Junior Secondary School teachers in Kenya, digital tools are essential in 2025. From global platforms like Google Classroom and Kahoot! to homegrown innovations such as MwalimuPlus and eKasi Smart Class, these solutions make CBC teaching more engaging, learner-centered, and effective.
By integrating EdTech into lesson plans, JSS teachers can ensure that learners are not only ready for exams but also prepared for life in a digital future. While challenges remain, consistent innovation, government support, and teacher adaptability will shape the next phase of Kenya’s education journey.
