Financial stakes drivers of curriculum change

Pupils at an Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDE) at Arabuko Primary School in Malindi. [File, Standard]

As schools open, it is expected that learners in the lower grades will be introduced to a new curriculum. Despite the misgivings expressed by Education Cabinet Secretary on December 13, 2018, the decision to roll out the new programme appears cast in stone. This is reminiscent of January 1985 when the Head of State ordered the launch of 8-4-4 without debate. By 1992 the system was falling apart, later to be abandoned except in name.

In a press statement, the CS argued there were no properly prepared teaching materials, teachers had not been trained and assessment tools are not available in all schools evaluated.The views were informed by two evaluation reports: one internal and the other external. The about-turn to roll out the new curriculum this month should be seen as emanating from external players who think they have something to lose should the curriculum not be implemented now.