By Kevin Odera
The National Parents Association (NPA) has decried not being included in the task force appointed by President Ruto to review the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC).
NPA chairman, David Obuhatsa wondered how parental empowerment which is one of the key terms of reference for the task force would be achieved without the input of parents.
“We went through the formation of the task force that was issued on September 30, but it is quite unfortunate that none of our officials is a member,” he said.
The chairman said that the incorporation of individuals in higher education would not add the desired value to CBC in contrast to what those in basic education would have.
Eskimos Kobia, the NPA secretary general was awed on how the task force will meet the assumptions of parents yet most of them were lecturers.
“We noted that most of the task force members are lecturers and vice chancellors. I’m wondering if they know anything about basic education. I feel they should handle and focus on issues affecting tertiary institutions and leave basic education affairs to primary and high school teachers,” stated Kobia.
He also stated that the time frame given to the task force was unfeasible.
“They say its suggestions should be out by April 2023 when Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) learners are set to sit for their examinations. Teachers are still at a standstill whether they are to prepare learners for exams or wait for a while,” he added.
The task force, chaired by Prof Raphael Munavu will assess and suggest a fitting structure to execute the CBC system as well as study laws controlling the basic education subsector.
It will also study, asses and make suggestions on conceptualization and execution of key canons guiding the CBC.
