The Ministry of Education has given a one-year window for stakeholders’ engagement on the ongoing implementation of the new curriculum, opening the new syllabus for broader discussion.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has gazetted a team of 17 members drawn from key sectors to undertake critical analysis of the national roll out and advise on key implementation issues.
On top of the team’s mandate is to advise on the growing anxiety on the placement of the junior secondary school education as envisaged in the new2-6-3-3-3 education system.
Pulling apart
Under the Competency Based Curriculum, learners spend two years in pre-primary education, six years in primary schools, three years in junior secondary school and another three years in senior secondary school.
Primary and secondary school teachers and unions representing the various levels of education are already pulling apart on where the junior level should be domiciled.
Whereas Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) wants the education level retained at primary school level, the Kenya Union of Post Primary School Education (Kuppet) wants it moved to high schools.
It is also not clear whether new institutions would be established for the new levels and whether a full management team complete with teachers would be required for the implementation.
In his gazette notice, Magoha wants the task force, which includes top Ministry of Education officials, the church, educationists, curriculum experts, teachers’ associations and civil society to advise on transition of Grade Six cohort of CBC and Standard 7 and 8 (of 8-4-4). According to the implementation schedule, the transition is expected to take place in 2023.
Magoha also wants the team to advise on where the transiting classes – Grade 7, 8 and 9 within Basic Education Structure – will be taught in primary or secondary schools.The details are contained in gazette notice number 5328 released yesterday.
Fatuma Chege will chair the team that has Jack Too, Stephen Odebero, Rev Fr Joseph Mutie, Winston Akala, Gabriel Katana, Glory K 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 Secretary Nancy Macharia, Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) boss Mercy Karogo and director of KICD Julius Jwan are ex-officio members.
Others are Mutiso Wambua, David Njengere, Samuel Siringi and Tirimba Machogu.
The task force Secretariat will be based at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
