Come out and address CBC complaints, MPs tell State agencies

MPs have asked the entities implementing the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) to meet and iron out the outstanding issues derailing a successful rollout of the system.

The National Assembly Education Committee wants the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to urgently meet and address the complaints that have emerged. 

Committee chair Florence Mutua (pictured) told The Saturday Standard that her team had brought to KICD’s attention the adverse reactions that have been circulating in the media regarding, among others, the cost of the curriculum.

“We have advised them to retreat and address the issues raised... we have also highlighted what we feel, as representatives of the people, are sticking issues,” Mutua said.

The MPs have identified the issue of assignment, negative perception on CBC, availability of learning resources, teacher training and inadequate funding, among the issues, to be eating into the success of the rollout.

They want the agencies to “issue clear guidelines to schools, teachers and parents on how assignments/homework should be handled to enhance effective curriculum delivery as contemplated in the CBC.”

The agencies must also scale up response mechanisms to positively influence public perceptions on CBC and engage stakeholders with a view of helping them understand the salient features of the new system. MPs also want them to document the concerns from stakeholders and come up with appropriate interventions to remedy the situation as well as sustainable strategies to change the narrative for the better.

“Though CBC is well grounded on sound principles, funding challenges would threaten its successful rollout in all the levels of learning. This should be addressed and it is clear that the KICD has a lot to do,” said Mutua.