This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
On July 3, 2019, Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha clarified the new Competency-Based Curriculum, stating that there would be no national examination for grade three pupils.
Magoha emphasized that exams would only be administered at grade six and nine, and that the curriculum was progressing well.
He denied reports that pupils in grade three would have to sit for a national exam, stating that a task force formed to spearhead the issue of examinations at grade six would begin its work on July 4, with findings expected in the next one year.
Magoha also proposed that learners not be forced to join senior secondary schools under the new curriculum, which would reduce the number of years it is mandatory for children to attend school to nine, from the current 12.
He argued that at the age of 15, learners should be given a chance to choose what they really want, and that those who opt out of school would join vocational and technical institutions to pursue vocational skills.
Magoha was addressing a workshop with members of the National Assembly Education Committee and ministry officials to find a road-map on the implementation of the new curriculum.
