Teachers Raise 4 Critical Issues Ahead of CBC Transition

Teachers have highlighted four critical areas that the government needs to address ahead of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) transition, days after the release of the preliminary report submitted by the presidential task force. 

Speaking to the press, tutors predicted challenges for private institutions which do not benefit from the National Government Constituency Development Funds (NG-CDF). 

They noted that such institutions would have to cater for the entire cost in a bid to comply with the CBC requirements. 

Learners participate in practical classes under the CBC

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In addition, they questioned whether teacher shortage would be experienced in certain areas, despite the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) assuring that 30,000 tutors would be employed and deployed across the country. 

The tutors also wondered whether there would be capacity building to enable the teachers to upgrade their skills to accommodate the new curriculum. 

“I know the government will disburse funds for public schools to comply with the CBC curriculum requirements. The challenge is, however, the private institutions, especially those not having secondary schools as they will be forced to use a lot of funds to set up what is required.”

“Concern is also raised on which category of teachers will handle the Junior Secondary Schools. When we have junior secondary schools in primary, there ought to be a change in manpower to handle the new curriculum,” Yusuf Amolo, a headteacher of St Peters Primary school, intimated to the press. 

Plans are already underway to enable a smooth transition after the task force released the CBC findings and recommendations. 

Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua on Friday, December 2, tasked MPs to fast-track plans for the construction of extra amenities in primary schools. 

“Within the CDF, we are asking the MPs from the 290 constituencies that within a concise time to put up the junior secondary school with a laboratory and classroom and offices so that in another one year, the JSS is functional,” he stated while addressing residents in Murang’a County. 

Further, a section of Azimio lawmakers demanded the government to release the full CBC report to alleviate all doubts incurred with the practicality of the curriculum. 

“A government must have clear and coherent policies, especially on critical matters such as education. You can keep the country uncertain on a matter as critical as a change in the education curriculum.

“Tell us exactly what you want to do with this CBC. Stop prevaricating and meandering. Just tell us clearly on the way forward,” Opiyo Wandayi, leader of the minority in the National Assembly, stated.

President Dr William Ruto and Education CS Ezekiel Machogu at Joseph Kang’ethe Primary School in Kibera, on day 2 of KCPE and KPSEA exams on November 29, 2022.

KNEC