This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), it is imperative to re-examine the policy's suitability for Kenya's education system. The CBC, which was introduced by the Ministry of Education, has been met with widespread criticism from teachers, parents, and education researchers.
One of the primary concerns with the CBC is its failure to take into account Kenya's unique context. The curriculum, which was designed for high-income, largely urban countries, is not tailored to the country's limited resources, lack of infrastructure, and high teacher-pupil ratio.
According to education experts, the CBC's reliance on greater parental involvement and investment is unrealistic, given the country's socio-economic challenges. The curriculum's infrastructure needs are also well beyond what currently exists, even in middle-class public schools in Nairobi.
As Assistant Professor at Georgetown University notes, 'It is rather absurd that the people we pay to think critically on how to educate our children arrived at CBC, as currently designed, as the best way to make our education system better.'
Kenya's education system has long-run effects, and it is crucial that we design a system that is robust to minimal parental involvement. The country's history of producing thinking citizens and human beings who can participate as full members of society is a testament to the importance of education.
However, the CBC's failure to address the country's unique challenges is a cause for concern. As the writer notes, 'Our children deserve better.'
SEE ALSO: Knut call for dialogue on CBC
