The Kenya Primary Schools Headss Association (KEPSHA) top officials yesterday had a meeting with Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu at his office in Nairobi.
Speaking during the meeting, Machogu has underlined the significance of ensuring that children master literacy and numeracy skills by the time they complete Grade Three.
KEPSHA led by its Chairman, Johnson Nzioka, Machogu stressed the critical nature of foundational learning in a child’s educational journey.
He further stated that children who do not acquire these essential skills before entering grade four may struggle to catch up later in their educational development.
The CS also acknowledged the pivotal role that teachers play in this process, describing them as the linchpins of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) reform initiative.
He lauded the partnership between the government and teachers noting that the success of the CBC would depend heavily on the dedication and skills of the teaching workforce.
Additionally, the CS emphasized the importance of deploying qualified teachers in the North Eastern region, citing the potential risks of radicalization among children if the government fails to do so.
He also discussed the decision to drop the cluster requirement, which he believes will facilitate the recruitment of teachers for schools across the nation, particularly in the North Eastern Region and North Rift.
Machogu explained that the reduction of subjects within the curriculum was aimed at alleviating the curriculum’s workload and was well within the authority granted to the Ministry by Parliament.
The Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, also raised the issue of the length of school holidays, suggesting a reconsideration of the current two-month break that has been in place since 2016.
The Chairman of KEPSHA Johnson Nzioka expressed his support for the CBC and commended parents for recommending the reduction of subjects to ease the curriculum load on learners.
Nzioka further elaborated on the potential disadvantages of extended holidays, particularly for KCPE candidates, who might become involved in socially destructive activities during these lengthy breaks.
The meeting was attended by various education officials, including Stephen Barongo, Director for Primary Education, Irene Yaile, Secretary-General of KEPSHA, Kennedy Cheva, National Treasurer, and Rebecca Otieno, Chief Executive Officer.
By Viola Chepkemoi
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