Ministry must match talk with action on CBC

Education CS George Magoha. [File, Standard]

It is all system go for the Competency-based Curriculum was the word from Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha.

Giving what would pass for a situation analysis of the new system during the release of KSCE results, the CS was categorical that the Government was on track. He said the inaugural class is scheduled to join Grade Six when schools re-open on Monday this week.

Part of the preparation according to the CS include teacher training, construction of classrooms, and support for digital infrastructure to anchor digital learning as some of the key milestones ahead of transition. The CS reiterated that books have been delivered to schools by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), classrooms constructed and teachers trained in readiness for the transition.

The new system is a very robust, pupil-centred method of teaching. Part of the challenges facing the new system was congestion of pupils, especially in public schools. Though the CS mentioned that some 6, 497 classrooms have been constructed ahead of the start of the Junior Secondary School next year, will they be adequate.

The ministry should not remove their eyes from the ball on the issue of infrastructure. The Government must ensure good school structures are put up, especially in marginalized areas. They must also ensure teachers are deployed in such areas.  The minister promised to ensure that there is adequate infrastructure to support transition to Junior Secondary School next year with the remaining 3,530 classrooms will be completed between May and August 2022.

The Government must ensure no region is left behind academically either due to lack of infrastructure or teaching staff.

The minister promised to ensure that there is adequate infrastructure to support transition to Junior Secondary School next year with the remaining 3,530 classrooms will be completed between May and August 2022.

It is commendable that there are plans to train more teachers to handle new curriculum. Magoha said teacher training for Junior Secondary School is due to take place next month and by the time the learners transition to Grade 7 in January next year. Poor infrastructure cannot be taken for granted.

They must stick to the plan and bridge the staffing gap of 114,581 in primary and post-primary institutions.

Examination registration for Grade Six, Standard Eight and Form Four will begin on Wednesday this week and parents on their part must ensure their children are registered.

We urge the Government to remain vigilant to ensure the transition is smooth.