Northern Kenya’s education landscape, marked by historical marginalization and recurring conflict, calls for a critical rethinking of teacher education policy. This paper explores how embedding conflict sensitivity and peace pedagogy into teacher training can contribute to inclusive, equitable, and resilient learning environments in fragile contexts. Drawing from practitioner insights, policy analysis, and field-based programmatic experiences, the paper examines the preparedness of teachers as frontline actors in regions affected by inter-ethnic tensions and socio-political fragility. The study adopts a qualitative, case-informed methodology framed through the reflective practitioner model. It synthesizes findings from community-level interventions and identifies systemic gaps—such as the absence of trauma-informed training, neglect of indigenous knowledge systems, and disconnect between policy aspirations and localized teacher needs. Key among the contributions is the CSTEP Framework (Conflict-Sensitive Teacher Education for Peacebuilding), which proposes five policy-relevant pillars: contextual induction and placement; integration of peace pedagogy; psychosocial and trauma-sensitive training; inclusion of indigenous content; and stakeholder collaboration mechanisms. Findings underscore that the lack of conflict-sensitive training in both preservice and in-service education undermines teacher efficacy and trust in education systems in ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) counties. The study argues for national curriculum reforms and institutional partnerships that enable culturally grounded, resilience-oriented teacher preparation aligned with Kenya’s NESSP and CBC implementation agenda. This work highlights the strategic role of teachers as agents of cohesion and policy actors. It offers actionable recommendations to policymakers, education faculties, and TTCs to reimagine teacher education as a lever for peace and sustainable development. Keywords: conflict-sensitive education, teacher education reform, peace pedagogy, pastoralist communities, resilience |
