CBC tests run smoothly in Western and Central

Kakamega Primary School's Grade Seven pupils preparing for Competency-Based Curriculum assessment tests. [Nathan Ochunge, Standard]

Learning was uninterrupted in most of Western and Central Kenya despite protests called by Azimio over the high cost of living.

Head teachers in Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga, Murang’a, Nyeri and Kirinyaga counties ensured smooth learning in their schools.

There was relative calm across the four counties. And Competency-Based Curriculum assessment tests for Grade Three and Grade Seven pupils went as planned in most schools.

The assessment is being conducted by the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) where learners are undertaking practical and project activities.

The pupils in Junior Secondary School undertook the national projects assessments where they are expected to portray what they understand in class.

The assessments referred to as national projects are practical exams which include subjects such as home science, where students carry out baking and cooking assignments.

Deputy Principal Moi Nyeri complex primary school James Wahome said this is not an exam but a monitoring assessment to gauge the progress of pupils.

“The practical project is not interested in marks but checking whether learning has been taking place in class through the outcome,” Wahome said.

He noted the school has a capacity of 1,700 pupils with grade 7 hosting 250 pupils, grade 5 200 pupils while grades have 196 pupils.

“The project is a continuous assessment tool with optional exam subjects that includes computer/ home science and performing arts/visual arts,” he said.

He said the projects will continue till August 17 according to KNEC directions.

At Nyamachaki primary in Nyeri town, the practicals have already started with pupils excited about home science where they cook food including boiling carbohydrate foods and steaming vegetables such as cabbage and spinach.

Headteacher James Mwaniki said pupils are expected to demonstrate responsible ways of taking care of school facilities, expressed basic literacy and numeracy skills for learning and communicate appropriately using verbal and nonverbal mode in a variety of contexts.

In Murang’a County, Technology Primary School and Kibutha boarding heads said the national assessment was ongoing.

Headteacher Beatrice Wachira, said: “The school programme is running as authorised by the Ministry of Education with the CBC assessment proceeding.”

According to Ruth Minish, the director of Fesbeth Academy in Kakamega, they organised transport for their pupils, especially those in Grades three and seven, to be picked first, to ensure they don’t miss the ongoing assessment.

“You cannot predict the outcome of street protests. As a school, we organised our buses to pick up Grade Three and Seven learners very early in the morning before picking up the rest of the learners,” said Ms Minish.

Bungoma DEB Principal Tobias Khisa said the protests did not interrupt learning. “I have all the learners in school, those sitting for Knec assessment tests and those in other classes. The practicals are ongoing as earlier planned, and we don’t have anything to worry about,” said Mr Khisa.

The learners are being assessed by respective schools’ teachers across the country. After the assessment is over, the teachers will submit their scores by August 11, this year.

[Boniface Gikandi, Purity Mwangi and Nathan Ochunge]