The High Court has ordered Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to speed up the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This decision comes amid growing concerns about the impact of CBC on students and the financial strain it places on Kenyan families.
The ruling has intensified the ongoing debate on whether CBC is the right system for the country or if the old 8-4-4 system should be reinstated.
The CBC was introduced to replace the 8-4-4 system, with the promise of equipping students with practical skills rather than just academic knowledge. However, since its rollout, parents and teachers have raised multiple complaints, primarily about the high costs involved.
Unlike the 8-4-4 system, which was relatively straightforward and required fewer financial inputs from parents, CBC demands expensive learning materials, numerous assessments, and constant parental involvement.
Many parents feel overwhelmed by the costs of school supplies, additional tests, and project-based learning requirements that force them to spend more money.
Some argue that the government did not fully consider the economic realities of many Kenyan households before implementing the new system.
The dissatisfaction with CBC has led to calls for a return to the 8-4-4 system, which many believe was more practical and affordable.
Critics argue that CBC has placed an unnecessary financial burden on parents while failing to demonstrate clear benefits for students. Some educators also claim that the system is too complex, with teachers struggling to adapt to the new teaching methods and requirements.
The lack of proper infrastructure and adequate training for teachers has further worsened the situation, leading to confusion and inconsistencies in its implementation.In response to these concerns, the court has ordered CS Ogamba to establish a quality assurance commission within 14 days.
This commission will be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness and progress of CBC. The court’s directive highlights the need for a thorough review of the curriculum to determine whether it is meeting its intended goals or causing more harm than good.
The commission is expected to examine CBC’s strengths and weaknesses, assess its financial impact on families, and provide recommendations on the way forward.
The outcome of this evaluation will be crucial in deciding whether Kenya will continue with CBC or revert to the 8-4-4 system.
Many Kenyans believe that the old system was easier to manage and allowed students to focus on core subjects without unnecessary financial strain.
As the deadline for the quality assurance commission approaches, there is growing anticipation over how CS Ogamba will respond to the court’s directives.
The findings of the evaluation could have a major impact on the future of education in Kenya and determine whether CBC remains in place or undergoes significant changes.
