The government has no intention of abolishing the new curriculum, but will work to clear the grey areas, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has affirmed.
Mr Gachagua while encouraging parents, teachers and students to be ready to present their views to the yet to be established taskforce on the review of Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) expressed confidence that a robust discussion will lead to an improved product.
“Our intention is not to abolish the syllabus but retain what is good and improve what is causing concern,” he said on Friday while gracing the 94th edition of the Kenya Music Festival in Kisumu.
He noted that the Kenya Kwanza government is keen to develop creative economy which has churned young leaders in this country.
“In accordance with the requirements of the Constitution, Kenyans should turn up and present their views on what they want to be implemented,” he said.
The announcement by the DP was welcomed by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) leadership as they underlined the need to involve all stakeholders in the proposed taskforce.
According to Kuppet Secretary General Akello Misori, the taskforce should also include representative of learners who are critical players in the system designed to replace the 8-4-4 system.
The programme introduced President William Ruto’s predecessor - Uhuru Kenyatta - has been faulted for being hurriedly implemented and failing to consider the views of stakeholders.
Mr Misori who spoke on the sidelines of the week-long event conducted at Kisumu Girls High School reiterated that the huge investment in the curriculum should not be left to waste but be fine-tuned to fit the needs of learners and tutors.
“Under the previous 8-4-4 system, we churned so many graduates that led to a lot of wastage where we emphasized a lot on exam,” he said.
He however faulted the Ministry of Education for failing to involve stakeholders as they only concentrated on construction of classrooms and other infrastructure.
“On the contrary, employment and capacity building of teachers which was to address the new perspectives of learning was shelved aside,” he said.
Mr Misori also underlined the need for universities and teachers training colleges to adjust their framework in order to adopt the learner-centered approach of delivering the syllabus.
Citing the recent outcry where parents have being accusing teachers of making unrealistic demands to parents, Kisumu branch Secretary Zablon Awange, expressed confidence that the engagement will help iron out issues.
“Some of the issues raised are making a mockery on the intention of the CBC,” he said.
