Legislators will not discuss or submit questions and petitions on issues surrounding the Competency-Based Curriculum.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi said any discussions regarding CBC risk interfering with the judicial process.
“It would be impossible at this time for the House or its committees to deliberate on any or all of the prayers sought in the petition presented by [Wilson] Sossion without touching on matters canvassed in the petition before the court,” Muturi said.
Majority Leader Amos Kimunya and Minority Leader John Mbadi cautioned the House against such engagements that may seem as interference of the Judiciary's mandate.
The lawmakers also said in case the courts render a judgment that is not parallel with Parliament's verdict then it will have been a waste of resources.
However, Muturi noted that in case Sossion is not satisfied with the court’s decision by November then he is free to revive his petition.
“In the event, circumstances arise indicating an inordinate delay in the resolution of the matter by the courts, the member is at liberty to propose legislation prescribing the specific system of education he or she would want to apply to the country,” Muturi said.
Sossion submitted a petition to Parliament on September 23 seeking scrapping of the implementation of CBC.
During his submission, Sossion noted that the matters forming the subject of his petition were not pending before a court of law and prayed for the House, through the Departmental Committee on Education and Research.
The nominated MP wanted the committee to consider scaling down changes in the education system from the extensive reforms.
He suggested a review to ensure sustainability and smooth implementation of the Kenya school curriculum.
Sossion further wanted the committee to subject CBC to a forensic audit and replace it with the 'well versed' 8-4-4 system which has been functional for at least 36 years.
The petition “…recommend[s] for accountability and action to be taken against the State Officers and individuals for their susceptible actions through investigation and prosecution for the current failure and mess of the curriculum.”
In the petition submitted to the courts by Esther Ang’awa, she listed the National Assembly as a respondent and cited various acts and omissions attributing them to the House while challenging CBC.
The fate of the suit challenging the legality of CBC will be known in November when Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha presents his response.
