Support educational theatre under CBE
Tetu TTC performs a play on good governance in schools during the Mount Kenya West Technical and Vocational Centre Regional Drama and Film Festival at Muranga TTC on March 7, 2025.
The shift from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) has had a huge impact on the young actors who bring literature to life on stage.
As a university student and setbook actor, I have witnessed firsthand how CBE has transformed both the opportunities and challenges in educational theatre. These performances, which once thrived in high schools, are now dwindling, and with them, the livelihoods of actors and the learning experiences of students.
For many years, theatre groups made up largely of university students and recent graduates have travelled across the country performing literature setbooks in secondary schools. These performances play an important role in helping students understand the texts. Watching characters come alive on stage often helps learners grasp themes, conflicts and messages more easily.
Before CBE, theatre groups could perform as many as 20 shows in a single school term, with weekends especially busy. These performances were not only a way to help students learn, but also an important source of income for university actors.
Today, the number of performances has significantly declined. Many theatre groups have had to adapt by performing junior school texts. While this shows flexibility, it has also introduced significant challenges. Payments for JS performances are lower.
Many students do not contribute money for the performances because their parents are unfamiliar with CBE learning activities. Scheduling is also a problem; most JS shows are held during weekdays, which clash with university classes. Further, performing for younger audiences requires more energy and creativity to engage.
With the important role these performances play, the Ministry of Education should officially recognise educational theatre as part of CBE learning support. Schools should also budget for setbook performances so every pupil has an opportunity to watch live theatre. Parents should be sensitised about CBE learning activities so they understand how educational theatre enhances their children’s learning.
Supporting educational theatre will enrich learning while sustaining the talents and livelihoods of many young actors.
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Andrew Akiba, Maseno University
