Education in Kenya is at a crossroads. Competency-Based Education (CBE) has ushered in a fresh wave of innovation, emphasising skills, creativity, and holistic development. Yet, as schools across the country embrace this new paradigm, one critical ingredient often risks being overlooked: Christian education. In a nation where faith remains a cornerstone of family and community life, embedding Christian values in the curriculum is not just relevant; it is essential.
This is where the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) comes in, with its global expertise and its transformative initiative, the *Paths to School Improvement (PSI) programme.
The Case for Christian Education in Kenya.
1) Moral Compass for Learners.
Kenyan schools are producing some of the brightest minds on the continent, yet intelligence without integrity can be disastrous. Christian education grounds learners in biblical truth, shaping character, morality and responsibility. In an era where social vices lure many young people, a faith-informed curriculum provides students with a compass to navigate life’s challenges.
2) Holistic Development Beyond Academics.
Proper education is more than passing exams. Christian education nurtures the head, heart, and hands, equipping students with knowledge, values, and a servant leadership mindset. It aligns seamlessly with CBC’s vision of holistic learners while ensuring the spiritual dimension is not neglected.
3) Strengthening National Identity and Culture.
Kenya is a nation deeply rooted in faith traditions. By integrating Christian education, schools affirm values of community, service and stewardship that resonate with our cultural heritage. It builds citizens who are not just skilled but also responsible, compassionate and patriotic.
ACSI and the PSI Advantage.
The ACSI’s Paths to School Improvement (PSI) program* offers a structured and practical way for Kenyan schools to integrate Christian education into their systems. PSI is not about adding ‘more work‘ for already stretched administrators; it is about building stronger schools that thrive academically, spiritually and organizationally.
Biblical Integration in Teaching: PSI equips teachers to infuse a biblical worldview into every subject, from mathematics to literature, ensuring students see God’s truth in all knowledge.
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School Leadership Training: Headteachers and boards are guided to create policies, governance structures, and school cultures that reflect Christ-centred leadership.
Continuous School Improvement: PSI helps schools set clear goals, assess their progress, and strive for excellence in both academic and spiritual areas.
Global Network and Resources: Through ACSI, Kenyan schools gain access to international best practices, training resources and peer networks that elevate standards.
Why this matters for Kenya’s future.
The success of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the dreams of the next generation hinge not just on technological advancement, but also on moral fortitude. Without values, education risks becoming a tool for exploitation rather than a means of transformation. By partnering with ACSI and adopting the PSI framework, Kenyan schools can ensure they are producing graduates who are not only competent but also compassionate, ethical, and God fearing.
A call to action
Kenyan educators, policymakers, and parents must recognise that Christian education is not a luxury; it is a necessity.* It is the anchor that keeps schools from drifting in the stormy seas of modern challenges. ACSI’s PSI program provides the blueprint; what is needed now is the will to act.
As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: _Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it._ If Kenyan schools truly desire to shape the future of this nation, they must embrace the transformative power of Christian education.
By Raphael Ng’ang’a
Raphael Ng’ang’a is an Educational Trainer, Author, and Advocate for Faith-Based Schooling in Kenya.
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