By Mathews Bulimo
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Bungoma branch chairman David Barasa has said that Kenyan teachers aren’t prepared to implement the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).
Speaking to Education News, Barasa said that despite the fact that teachers have been trained on CBC, many of them are still confused about the process of transition of learners from primary schools to junior secondary schools.
He added that in Bungoma county, teachers were trained on CBC implementations in 16 centres and that it is still a challenge for teachers to manage CBC implementations.
“KUPPET, KEPSHA and KESSHA have moved around to assess the preparedness of teachers in handling CBC and it has been noted that the teachers aren’t ready,” he added
He underscored that CBC is a good idea but that teachers should first be equipped with skills so that the curriculum benefits learners.
“There are gaps in the implementation of CBC hence Education CS Prof Magoha should listen to the advice being offered on how CBC should be implemented,” Barasa said.
He further stressed on the need for teachers to be trained on how to handle learners and manage the 100 percent transition policy.
Barasa appealed to TSC, KEPSHA and KESSHA to organize training for teachers to enable them handle the young learners who will be joining junior secondary schools.
He added that Bungoma county is in dire need of close to 1,000 teachers and expressed concern that the plan by TSC to only employ 5,000 teachers countrywide won’t be enough to curb the teachers’ shortage being experienced.
“TSC should employ more teachers to help in handling CBC.” He said.
