Primary school headteachers have now joined the Kenya National Union of Teachers in questioning the implementation of the new curriculum which started in January this year in pre-primary 1 to Grade 3.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Education Committee, Kenya Primary School Heads Association Chairman Nicholas Gathemia poured cold water on the whole process, from piloting to implementation, saying it is facing several challenges.
Mr Gathemia told the committee chaired by Malava MP Malulu Injendi that only two teachers were trained per school and that the training was inadequate as only two sessions were conducted. He added that most of those who were trained are exiting the service.
CONTINUOUS TRAINING
“All teachers should be effectively trained. Training should be continuous and there should be enhanced trainings in teachers training colleges to incorporate the competency-based curriculum in their programmes,” Mr Gathemia proposed.
Headteachers also say continuous assessment of individual pupils is still a nightmare and is encouraging rote assessment in cases of classes with large enrolments of between 60 and 100 pupils.
Mr Gathemia told the committee that there is need to build capacity in teachers, improve teacher-pupil ratio and put up more classes in public schools.
