- Kisii Governor Simba Arati has urged Kenyans to support CBE despite challenges experienced during its implementation.
- Arati says the system promotes digital literacy, innovation, entrepreneurship and skills needed in a changing economy.
- The governor also launched a county education bursary fund worth more than Sh78 million for needy learners.
Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has praised Competency-Based Education (CBE) for embodying the principles of the country’s Vision 2030 and beyond.
Speaking at Moreremi Technical Training Institute in Nyaribari Masaba Constituency on Wednesday, August 6, the Governor likened CBE to a beautiful child delivered on the roadside by an unconscious, sojourning mother. He said the child should not be left to perish at the hands of indifferent neighbours.
Arati urged citizens to shun empty politics of criticism and instead support the curriculum for the benefit of the current generation and posterity. He noted that although the system was started and implemented hurriedly, Kenyans have since witnessed its tremendous advantages.
“Yes, the system was started and implemented hurriedly, but since we have witnessed its tremendous advantages, we should support it because it is in tandem with the ever-changing world that depends on the digital economy,” he said.
Arati outlines benefits of CBE
The Governor outlined the main advantages of CBE in Kenya. First, he cited digital literacy and integration. CBE prioritises the use of digital devices, e-learning platforms and ICT skills from early grades. Learners are taught to research, create content and collaborate online, preparing them for a knowledge-driven economy.
Secondly, he said innovation and problem-solving skills through STEM are key. The curriculum emphasises Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics with a practical approach. Learners engage in projects, coding, robotics and maker spaces that nurture creativity and technical skills relevant to Industry 4.0.
In his third emphatic point, Arati highlighted competence in the digital economy and entrepreneurship. CBE equips learners with skills for online business, digital marketing and financial technology. The focus shifts from rote memorisation to application, enabling graduates to create jobs in the digital space rather than only seek them.
Fourth, he mentioned data-driven assessment and learning. Technology is used to track learner progress through portfolios and competency records. This allows teachers, parents and policymakers to use data to support individual learners and improve the quality of education in real time.
Sh78 million bursary fund launched
During the event, the Governor, who was accompanied by his Deputy Elijah Obebo and several Members of the Kisii County Assembly, launched the issuance of the County Education Bursary Fund worth more than Sh78 million. The fund will support the education of needy Grade 10 learners from the 45 wards across the county.
He said that each of the 430 beneficiaries will receive Sh8,000 towards the top-up of school fees from their parents and guardians.
He reiterated his commitment to supporting education programmes in the county, including the provision of free milk to lower primary school children in the first two grades. He expressed optimism that the programme will be gradually rolled out to the upper classes.
“We are the leading county in the provision of education bursary funds in the country this year. If you think I am lying, ask the neighbouring counties to prove me wrong,” he said.
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The Governor called for unity in the county and promised to support the Kenya Kwanza Government because it is focused on development projects that will transform Kenya from a third-world economy, instead of political rhetoric.
In conclusion, Arati said that with proper support, CBE will produce a generation that is innovative, self-reliant and globally competitive.
By Enock Okongó
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