- The lawmakers said there is a need for the Education Ministry, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to expedite the process of retooling teachers.
- According to them, it is crucial in ensuring that an adequate number of educators are well-versed in the CBC and are capable of effectively delivering the curriculum.
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MPs have urged the government to develop a comprehensive policy and allocate sufficient funds to ensure the successful implementation of the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The lawmakers said there is a need for the Education Ministry, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to expedite the process of retooling teachers.
According to them, it is crucial in ensuring that an adequate number of educators are well-versed in the CBC and are capable of effectively delivering the curriculum.
Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku said CBC is a modern curriculum that will prepare the country for Vision 2030 and enable students to thrive in a modern and ever-changing world.
“As we respond to this motion, we must establish a comprehensive framework for curriculum development, ensuring sufficient numbers of well-trained and competent teachers in our junior secondary schools,” Ruku said.
“We must also make sure we have enough learning resources in our schools and a proper monitoring and evaluation framework. Not forgetting, the involvement of parents and the community in the implementation of the CBC."
Ruku added that the development of a comprehensive JSS Policy will standardize and consolidate the guidelines outlined in the Basic Education Act of 2012.
He said the Ministry needs to do this urgently to ensure the establishment and operation of JSS in every primary school.
However, the politicians criticized President William Ruto's decision to house JSS classes in primary schools saying the programme was rushed and the curriculum was not well thought-out.
According to them, many things that should have gone into preparation before roll-out did not happen.
Minority Leader Robert Mbui argued that while the concept of JSS is commendable, its implementation raises more questions than answers.
“There is a need for the government to establish effective policies and facilities so that every child can seamlessly continue their education from primary school,” Mbui said.
“I strongly suggest that students should complete Grade Six and then progress to Grades Seven and Eight within the primary school system before transitioning to secondary schools."
This approach is feasible since every primary school already accommodates students up to Grade Eight.
“All that is required is the addition of one extra level, which would take approximately one and a half years. Subsequently, the schools would need to provide a laboratory for the student's continued academic development,” Mbui said.
Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni stressed the importance of the CBC and insisted that the development of a policy and adequate funding for JSS is crucial for the success of the program.
“It is extremely disheartening to visit schools and witness their inadequate resources and if the students who are transiting from primary school to JSS are to have their esteem, we must ensure that the classrooms are up to the standard of a JSS. Also, the laboratories should be well equipped," Muthoni said.
Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap called for an amendment to the Basic Education Act of 2012 saying there should be proper management of junior secondary schools separate from primary schools.