Nation Awaits Ruto’s Final CBC Changes
Multiple sources with knowledge of forthcoming education reforms indicate that President William Ruto will release the highly anticipated Competency-Based Curriculum report during the second week of July.
The Kenya Kwanza regime, which took power in September 2022, pledged to address curriculum concerns, recognizing that it was financially burdensome for both parents and the government.
Ruto tasked the Presidential Working Group on Education Reforms with analyzing the report’s extensive and multifaceted financial implications. This action aimed to regain the trust of those who had voiced reservations about its implementation.
Ruto’s administration had initially vowed to overhaul the CBC, which was established by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, but abandoned the plan after extensive consultations revealed that introducing a new system would derail students and waste taxpayers’ money.
Ruto reaffirmed the position of Uhuru and the late Former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magaha once it became clear that the Kenya Kwanza administration would continue to support CBC.
He affirmed that CBC is essential for enhancing the educational landscape and preparing students to adapt to contemporary challenges, but acknowledged that the curriculum requires revisions.
In February 2023, the task force led by Professor Raphael Munavu presented the report to Ruto at State House. The report is scheduled for release later this month.
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Among the most significant alterations proposed by the report are:
Elimination of National Schools
Among the notable recommendations was the elimination of the system that classified schools as national, extra-county, county, and sub-county institutions.
Instead, the task force proposed identifying schools according to career pathways. Therefore, students will choose schools that align with their career goals.
Elimination of National Exams
In addition, stakeholders advocated for the elimination of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). In November of 2023, the primary school examinations will be eliminated.
In the future, students will specialize in the arts and sports sciences, social sciences, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Students can pursue pure, applied, technical, and engineering sciences as well as career and technology studies along the STEM pathway.
“Educators should enroll 60% of students in STEM subjects and 25% in social sciences. The remainder in arts,” Kenya Secondary School Head Teachers Association chairman Indimuli Kahi told GossipA2Z, adding that the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) provided a detailed road map as the nation prepares to phase out KCPE.
Rename KNEC
The CBC task force wishes to rename the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) to the Kenya National Assessment Council (KNAC) because the new curriculum is based on assessments.
Subject Reduction and Hosting of Junior High Schools
The task force proposed that the junior secondary schools, i.e. Grades 7, 8, and 9, be housed in the existing primary schools and that the Grade 6 assessment not be used for learner placement.
It also suggested that the Ministry of Education reduce the number of subjects Junior Secondary School students must take.
Currently, students in junior high school are required to study 14 subjects, while those in upper primary are required to study 10.
Demotion of Principals
By the 30th of December, principals who oversaw primary schools with Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) may be demoted. This occurred after the task force proposed consolidating preschool, primary, and junior high schools under one principal.
The principal will also be accountable for government-disbursed funds. This proposal seeks to transfer the Teachers Service Commission’s (TSC) appointment authority to the Ministry of Education.
Reeducation of Teachers
Concerns raised by parents regarding the CBC included the lack of implementation guidance for teachers. According to reports, deceitful teachers used practical lessons to extort money from parents.
In response to the complaints raised, the task force recommended that teachers who wish to continue teaching in elementary and secondary schools undergo one year of retraining.
The mandatory program will ensure that teachers comply with the CBC’s modifications and established guidelines.
Nation Awaits Ruto’s Final CBC Changes
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