Support CBC, private schools urge Ruto’s regime

The incoming government has been urged to support the full implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum.

Kenya Private Schools Association vice chair Solomon Munene termed the reforms in the education docket as a game changer in the sector and subsequently the economy of the nation.

Munene who spoke to the star on Monday said the curriculum is the best gift for the Kenyan children as it intends to harness and grow their competencies.

As a result, he asked for a sober conversation around the subject so as not to jeopardise the gains achieved so far.

“Our position as the Kenya Private Schools Association is that CBC is the best gift for our Kenyan children who are gifted differently. The CBC seeks to grow learners in their competencies.

"We therefore call for soberness around this subject and we move collectively for the sake of our children,” Munene said.

The vice chair also called on cooperation from all stakeholders to help counter the challenges experienced so far in the curriculum.

“We cannot erode the gains and the strides made so far. Yes, there are some teething problems but with enhanced efforts we can collectively overcome the challenges,” he said.

Munene said they remain committed to engaging with the government and other stakeholders on the future of CBC.

Despite being the prerogative of the president to appoint the next Education Cabinet secretary, the association has appealed to the incoming administration to consider a progress minded individual who will revolutionise and scale up the education sector.

“Private schools would like to humbly appeal to the president-elect to consider a person who is sober-minded, accommodative and  who has the interest of all children at heart above self,” Munene said.

His remarks come as Ruto's administration is set to take reins of power on Tuesday.

One of the key issues that the new government is set to oversee is the  transition of the first cohort of the CBC pupils from Grade 6 to Junior Secondary School.

According to the Education ministry about 1.26 million Grade 6 pupils are scheduled to be admitted to Junior Secondary Schools in January 2023.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)