Parents' association to defend CBC in court

The National Parents Association chairman Nicholas Maiyo has said they seek to join a case opposing the Competency-Based Curriculum.

Maiyo on Monday said they will be on the defense of the new curriculum noting that they are in support of the system.

“Our concern is the judicial decision that could disrupt our children’s education...We will join the case as parents representing 10 million children in public primary schools,” Maiyo said.

Maiyo was speaking at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development during an engagement with Education stakeholders on the CBC.

Last Friday, a petition filed through Advocate Nelson Havi argued that the action by the Education Ministry to implement the new curriculum is unlawful and prejudicial to the future of the children of Kenya and ought to be halted.

The petitioner is seeking interim orders stopping the CBC pending hearing and determination of the case, adding that this will prevent a further denial and violation and infringement of the rights of children to education and free and compulsory basic education by the government.

They seek the Education ministry to revert to the 8-4-4 system.

Currently, the new curriculum is under progressive implementation with the pioneer class being in Grade 5.

Maiyo further dismissed recent concerns by parents over the implementation demands of the curriculum.

“Those are not genuine parents... we are the genuine parents and we are in full support of the curriculum. Where will the seven million children in preprimary school go if the curriculum is suspended?” he posed.

The national rollout of the CBC started in January 2019 at Pre-Primary I and II and Grades 1, 2 and 3 in lower primary.

Edited by D Tarus