- Education stakeholders in Trans Nzoia County are pushing for the integration of disaster preparedness and emergency response training into the CBE curriculum.
- They argue that learners should acquire practical first aid and emergency response skills from an early age.
- The proposal was made during a Kenya Red Cross emergency response competition held at Equip College.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
Education stakeholders in Trans Nzoia County have called for the integration of disaster preparedness and emergency response training into the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, arguing that learners should acquire practical life-saving skills from an early age.
The proposal was made during an emergency response drills and first aid refresher competition organised by the Kenya Red Cross Trans Nzoia Branch at Equip College.
The event brought together students, teachers, health professionals and disaster response experts.
Speaking at the event, Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism Eliud Tormoi said schools have a vital role to play in preparing learners to respond effectively to emergencies.
He noted that integrating disaster preparedness into the curriculum would help nurture a generation that is knowledgeable, responsible and capable of responding to emergencies such as fires, road accidents, drowning incidents and other disasters.
“Learners spend most of their time in school, making educational institutions the best place to impart emergency response and first aid skills. These competencies can save lives and strengthen community resilience,” said Tormoi.
First Aid as a Core Competency
The county official urged the national government and education authorities to consider embedding emergency response training across all levels of learning under the Competency-Based Education framework.
Trans Nzoia CECM for Education and Vocational Training Janerose Muthama echoed the sentiments, saying first aid and basic emergency response skills should be treated as essential competencies for learners.
Muthama observed that students are often among the first people present when emergencies occur and should therefore be adequately trained to provide immediate assistance before professional medical teams arrive.
Practical Learning Experience
The event served as a practical learning platform where participants demonstrated emergency response techniques and first aid skills.
Organisers said the exercise was designed to enhance preparedness in schools and learning institutions while promoting safety awareness among young people.
Education stakeholders attending the event noted that incorporating such practical training into the curriculum would complement academic learning by equipping learners with real-world skills applicable both in school and within their communities.
The competition attracted participation from several institutions, including Cherangany Nursing Home, Crystal Cottage Hospital, Galilee Hospital, St Monica Girls, Legacy School and Equip College.
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Organisers noted that the programme progresses from county-level contests to regional and national competitions, giving learners and institutions an opportunity to continuously improve their emergency response capabilities while fostering a culture of preparedness and safety in schools.
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