This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
Kenya's CBC Needs a Comprehensive Sex Education Curriculum ¶
On this year's International Youth Day, the theme of transformation education is a timely reminder of the need for a shift in consciousness that alters one's way of thinking and promotes competence in learners.
The Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) introduced by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) aims to make learners competent in seven key areas, including communication and collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, and digital literacy.
However, critics argue that the CBC ignores one of the most fundamental components of modernity - age-appropriate sex education - which plays a critical role in preventing negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
According to the Health Sector Working Group report, 49% of all new HIV infections are among young people, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports that 378,400 adolescent girls in Kenya aged between 10 and 19 years became pregnant between July 2016 and June 2017.
A June online survey by Jiactivate, a national movement for the youth, found that 86% of young Kenyans feel there should be more classes in school on sex and reproductive health topics, and that teachers are the most influential people with the ability to improve sexual reproductive health education.
Health and relationship scholars worldwide have confirmed that sex education delays the onset of sexual activity, helps reduce the number of sexual partners, and reduces unplanned pregnancy and STI rates.
Despite the importance of sex education, the subject remains muddled with objections, recommendations, and conflicts involving religion, state, educationists, and parents.
It is time for Kenya's CBC to include comprehensive sex education in its curriculum to empower young people to make healthy and safe decisions about their sexual health.
