Learning should focus on character

Education can be defined as the process of imparting skills, knowledge and attitudes to a person for purposes of bringing desired behavioural change in them. A good education system must transform the society for the better. Has the Kenyan education system served the country?

Kenya has had two different education systems, namely the 7-6-3 and the current 8-4-4. The former, which had an A-level component was ditched because stakeholders realised students needed practical skills, which the A-level lacked.

With the advent of 8-4-4, Kenyans believed the country had found a lasting solution to unemployment.

But while the proposed system was good in design, the hurried implementation messed it up. There was no piloting and development of infrastructure, thereby laying a shaky foundation.

Its many subjects meant learners were good at general but very poor in specifics: specialisation became a casualty with the expanded curriculum. Those of us who went through the system will never forget the heavy workload.

In an effort to embrace broad-based curriculum, the learners have little time to shape their character. Emphasis has been directed on cramming and reproduction of facts.

Activities which enable an individual develop a strong character have been given a wide birth. Education Minister Fred Matiang’i is on the right path by initiating a curriculum review.

Kenya needs to align education systems with her national goals and aspirations. The present system is too deficient to meet our development goals.