This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
On August 17, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed parents at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) during the official opening of the 3rd National Conference on Curriculum Reforms.
He emphasized the importance of the new Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), which allows learners to develop their inherent talents and abilities.
“We put too much pressure on children to pass examinations and to acquire university degrees. Our children have no opportunity to grow as children,” said President Kenyatta.
He cautioned parents against imposing careers on children, especially those that may not suit their interests or abilities, such as medicine.
President Kenyatta also highlighted the need for parents to recognize the potential of their children, even if they may not excel in traditional subjects.
“We should prepare our children to be the Bill Gates and Steve Jobs of the future,” he said.
The President attributed the rising cases of drug abuse, depression, and criminality among students to the pressure exerted by parents on children to pass examinations and acquire university degrees.
He observed that the full roll out of the new curriculum will catalyze a major transformation in the education system and take care of all learners, including those with special needs.
