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 courses that may not suit their interests, such as medicine, saying, “even when a child cannot stand the sight of blood”.
President Kenyatta also highlighted the need for parents to recognize the potential of their children, saying, “We should prepare our children to be the Bill Gates and Steve Jobs of the future.”
He 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.
The President 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 irrespective of their capabilities.
He emphasized the need for curriculum reforms to ensure quality education that provides learners with the relevant competencies to become competitive in the global workforce.
