By Felix Wanderi
Negative publicity on Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) will rob learners of skill based knowledge, Zetech university Professor Njenga Munene has said.
Speaking during the revised service charter at the institution in Ruiru, Munene said that leaders who have the interest of the future generation at heart should support the Ministry of Education and relevant stakeholders in ensuring smooth implementation of CBC.
The university don cautioned leaders and education stakeholders against politicizing the new curriculum, arguing that doing so will be detrimental to its implementation.
He said CBC is what the country needs to enhance productivity and address issues that have affected the youth such as unemployment.
“The new curriculum was long overdue and is okay. Leaders should be very careful concerning education matters. We should all support the implementation of CBC for the sake of our children,” said Munene.
Munene’s sentiments come after an advocate of the high court and a parent, Esther Ang’awa, filed a petition in court to halt the implementation of the new curriculum.
Ang’awa argued that actions by Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha, Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development (KICD), Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) are unlawful and prejudicial to school-going children.
She argued that rights guaranteed under Chapter 4 of the Constitution and protected in Articles 19, 21 24, 29, 33, 42, 43, 47, 53, 55, 69 and 70 risked been infringed upon under the CBC framework.
Ang’awa cited instances of procuring course books, learning materials and curriculum designs “without regard to the real dynamics of the Kenyan population and the needs of society”.
On the other hand, the National Parents Association has moved to court to defend the new curriculum.
The national rollout of the CBC started in January 2019 at pre-primary I and II and Grades 1, 2 and 3 in lower primary.
Zetech University deputy vice chancellor Dr Alice Njuguna said the system is designed to train children and the youth to be more entrepreneurial and self-reliant.
“This is what our country needs, a system that will equip, nurture and sharpen our children’s skills and talents. In years to come, the issue of unemployment will be a thing of the past,” Dr Njuguna said.
She added that the university will train 100 per cent of its staff in preparation for the new curriculum.
At the same time, the don averred that creativity, innovation and being tech-savvy will give them a competitive edge in the job market as modern technology is hastily taking up most jobs.
She also urged students to think beyond being employed and to be entrepreneurial.
