In a bid to better address the changing demands of the labour market, the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has called on the government to streamline the implementation of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The federation urged the government to prioritize equipping schools, particularly those in rural areas, which are the most affected as they lack the necessary infrastructure.
In her address on Friday in Homabay County, Jacqueline Mugo, Executive Director and CEO of FKE, emphasized the need for the government to take strategic measures to improve CBC´s effectiveness.
“While FKE acknowledges the government´s commitment to implementing CBC, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive strategy to address current challenges and ensure the curriculum meets the dynamic requirements of the job market,” she said.
Mugo was speaking during the launch of new classrooms at Omuga Primary School in Homabay, funded by FKE under the Adopt A School Program.
While highlighting the significance of hands-on abilities alongside academic excellence, Mugo stressed the need for graduates to possess the necessary skills sought after by employers.
Further, FKE urged the government to invest in technology as early as grades 6–7, emphasizing the necessity of equipping students with practical skills that will make them competitive and adaptable in their careers.
Mugo discouraged the norm of waiting for students to join high school to be introduced to tech-related studies, as it may hinder their preparedness for a world that is technology-driven in the job market.
The federation urged the Ministry of Education to provide clear communication and leadership to alleviate concerns raised by parents regarding the transition period in CBC, particularly grade 9 students who will remain in primary schools where junior secondary is based.
This is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for the students.
Early this month, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said the government will construct 16,000 classrooms across the country in readiness for the transition of learners to Grade 9 next year.
The 2025 Grade 9 class will be the first cohort to finish junior secondary school under CBC.
FKE expressed their commitment to collaborating with the government, education stakeholders, and employers to enhance the effectiveness of CBC, creating an education system that produces graduates ready for the demands of the modern workforce.