Kenya’s ambitious shift from the long-standing 8-4-4 education system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is facing mounting scrutiny as the first cohort of Grade 9 learners prepares for the pivotal transition to senior school and the selection of career pathways. This significant educational reform, intended to cultivate practical skills and competencies for the 21st century, has been met with growing apprehension from parents and the general public. Key concerns center on the readiness of schools to accommodate the new curriculum, particularly regarding infrastructure and resources, the preparedness and training of teachers to effectively deliver the competency-based approach, and the escalating financial burden placed on families to support their children’s learning. The lack of clear communication about the structure of senior school pathways and the specializations offered by different institutions has further amplified anxieties, leaving many stakeholders uncertain about the future direction of their children’s education.

A deeper examination reveals a multitude of specific challenges hindering the smooth implementation of the CBC, especially as it enters the senior school phase. Many public schools grapple with inadequate infrastructure, including classrooms and essential laboratories for STEM-related subjects, raising doubts about their capacity to effectively deliver the curriculum. Teachers, while some have received training, often feel ill-prepared for the hands-on, skill-based learning methodologies required by the CBC, particularly within the specialized senior school pathways. The financial strain on parents continues to be a major point of contention, with the costs of specialized learning materials and project-based assessments adding to the already significant expenses of education. Furthermore, the early specialization inherent in the CBC, with learners choosing career pathways at the end of Grade 9, has sparked concerns about potentially limiting future opportunities if these choices are not well-informed. The availability and quality of guidance and counseling to support learners in making these crucial decisions are also under question, with fears that inadequate support could lead to misaligned choices and unfulfilled potential.

In response to these widespread concerns, the Kenyan government has acknowledged the challenges and outlined various initiatives aimed at addressing them, including policy statements, transition guidelines, and teacher training programs . However, expert analyses consistently point to persistent issues such as inadequate teacher training, limited resources and infrastructure, financial burdens on families, and policy coordination challenges . Recommendations from education experts emphasize the need for enhanced and continuous teacher training, prioritized allocation of resources, effective engagement with parents and stakeholders, and sustained investment in school infrastructure . As the country navigates this critical juncture in its educational transformation, addressing these multifaceted concerns will be paramount to ensuring the successful implementation of the CBC and realizing its intended benefits for Kenyan learners .  

References:

Nation Grade 9 learners to choose senior school pathways in second term

Nation CBC: What parents and stakeholders want in transition to senior school

The Standard Maths no longer compulsory as CBC pioneers set to pick careers

The Standard Concerns over transition of Grade 9 learners to senior secondary school

Citizen Digital Wananchi Opinion: Why many are moving kids to International Schools