Fate of exams, teacher training and junior school out in a month

Education CS George Magoha when he appeared before the Senate Education Committee at Parliament. [Boniface Okendo/Standard]

A team set up to inquire into the new education curriculum is expected to focus on exams, teacher training and where junior secondary will be domiciled.

The task force seeking clarity on these areas has a month to present its recommendations to Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha ahead of a stakeholders' meeting.

On training, the question is whether teachers will undergo fresh training or just reorientation to adjust to the new curriculum.

The team will also give a report on administration of exams under the new curriculum, the nature of the tests, and the key stages where they will be offered.

Furthermore, the sticky question on where junior secondary school education will be located in the learning system will also be made known next month.

The details emerged yesterday when Prof Magoha inaugurated the task force he set up to advise the ministry on the national rollout of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).

National conference

Magoha told the team it would be in the best interest of the country if the three issues are settled ahead of August 16 when a national conference shall be held.

“These are quick takeaways that should be available before the August 16 conference,” said Magoha.

The CS said Kenyans are anxious over examinations, teacher training and where junior secondary school will be domiciled.

Magoha gazetted the team drawn from key sector players to undertake critical analysis of the national rollout and advise on key implementation issues.

Kenyatta University Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Administration Fatuma Chege will lead the team that is expected to offer necessary advise to the ministry.

Other members are Jack Too, Stephen Odebero, Rev. Fr. Joseph Mutie, Winston Akala, Gabriel Katana, Glory Mutungi, Eldah Onsomu, Bakary Athman Chemaswet, Rev Nelson Makanda and Mutheu Kasanga.

Also listed are Adan Saman, Charles Ongondo, Indimuli Kahi,? Nicholas Gathemia, Muthoni Ouko, Nicholas Maiyo and Augusta Muthigani.

Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang, Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia, Kenya National Examinations Council boss Mercy Karogo and Director of Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Julius Jwan have been listed as ex-officio members.

Others are Mutiso Wambua, David Njengere, Samuel Siringi and Tirimba Machogu.

The task force secretariat will be based at KICD.

Speaking yesterday, Prof Chege said the team will brainstorm the three key areas and give appropriate advice.