Go beyond proposed 8-4-4 reforms

Education CS Fred Matiang’i consult with his PS Belio Kipsang during National Conference for Curriculum Reforms at KICC, Nairobi on Monday 30/01/17. PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD

A lot of hope rode on Kenya’s adoption of the 8-4-4 system of education in 1985. The new system aimed to equip school leavers at the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with adequate skills for self and gainful employment in the formal and informal sectors. In a nutshell, it was designed to promote self-sufficiency among learners.

Over the years, concerns have however arisen that the system has failed to live up to its billing, hence the need for curriculum reforms to enable the education system address the changing needs of society.