Kenya's bold shift from the traditional 8-4-4 education system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has been met with both optimism and significant challenges. As highlighted in NTV's "Class Based Crisis," the transition is proving to be a complex undertaking, impacting students, parents, and teachers alike.
The CBC, introduced in 2017, aims to revolutionize education by emphasizing practical skills and competencies over rote memorization. This learner-centered approach seeks to equip students with critical thinking, communication, creativity, and digital literacy skills essential for the 21st century. However, the implementation of this progressive vision is fraught with obstacles.
While the CBC's goals are commendable, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. The NTV video reveals a multitude of challenges, including inadequate teacher training, resource shortages, and high teacher-learner ratios. Many teachers received brief and insufficient training, leaving them ill-prepared to implement the CBC effectively. Continuous professional development is crucial, but often lacking. Specific examples include short one day workshops that only scratch the surface of the teaching requirements. Schools lack essential teaching and learning materials, particularly ICT tools. This hinders the development of digital literacy, a core CBC competency. Many schools do not have reliable internet, or even enough text books. Overcrowded classrooms, with some exceeding 50 students per teacher, impede personalized learning. The government's teacher recruitment efforts have been insufficient to address this issue. Statistics show that in some public schools the ratio can reach 70 to 1.
These challenges have a direct impact on student learning outcomes. Students struggle to engage in learning when resources are scarce and classrooms are overcrowded. Students in under-resourced schools are at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers in better-equipped institutions. Stories from parents show that many children are frustrated with the lack of access to materials, and the over crowded classrooms.
The success of the CBC is crucial for Kenya's economic future. A well-implemented CBC can produce a skilled workforce, driving economic growth. The cost of addressing the current challenges, including teacher training and resource provision, is substantial. If the CBC fails, Kenya will have a workforce that is not prepared for the modern world, which will harm the economy.
Technology can play a vital role in addressing resource shortages and enhancing learning. Digital learning platforms, online resources, and virtual classrooms can supplement traditional teaching methods. Technology integration is limited due to infrastructure challenges and lack of teacher training. The free laptop program has not been widely implemented, and many schools lack the infrastructure to support such programs.
The problems within the CBC have become a political issue. Parental dissatisfaction has led to political pressure on the government. Opposition parties have used the CBC issues to criticize the current administration. The CBC has become a point of contention in political debates.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Prioritize teacher employment through strategic budgeting. Implement regular, hands-on workshops on CBC pedagogical practices. Equip schools with adequate resources, including ICT tools and learning materials. Launch awareness campaigns to educate parents and the public about the CBC. Provide rigorous training on standardized assessment criteria. Revive the free laptop program.
Share your experiences and ideas for improving Kenya's CBC curriculum in the comments below. Let's discuss how we can work together to ensure a brighter future for Kenyan students.
