- Parents, learners and other education stakeholders appear not to understand the CBC.
- The governor warned that if the government does not address the issues with CBC, he would mobilise parents to keep their children out of school
Image: BY MATHEWS NDANYI
Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya wants the Competency-Based Curriculum abolished, citing concerns over its impact on the future of learners.
Natembeya said parents, learners and other education stakeholders appear not to understand the CBC.
The curriculum had weaknesses and even the government was finding it difficult to implement.
“One of the flaws we have is that the current grading system under CBC will make it difficult for our children to compete internationally,” Natembeya said.
“Most politicians have taken their children to international schools, leaving Kenyans to suffer in their own country.”
He accused the government of handling education poorly, saying the sector lacks a clear direction.
“Considering what is happening in our education sector, I believe there might be a hidden agenda to undermine the sector, ensuring that Kenyans remain illiterate for the benefit of a few selfish leaders.”
He warned that if the government does not address the issues, he would mobilise parents to keep their children out of school.
“As a leader and parent I am asking the government to move with speed and address the issue of CBC because Kenya’s future is at stake.”
He highlighted the severe shortage of teachers, saying some Junior Secondary School classes have over 100 students managed by only two tutors, who are expected to cover 14 subjects.
The lack of infrastructure was another obstacle in the education sector.
The county boss spoke during the commissioning of a twin Early Childhood Development Education classroom at Meza primary school.
He called on residents to enrol their children, emphasising that education is the only weapon to fight illiteracy, poverty and diseases.
“We need to take our children to school. It’s sad that we are constructing classes yet we have few pupils,” he said.
School heads were also urged not to deny education to students due to unpaid fees and other charges.
This has undermined the free basic education policy especially in day schools.
Students were denied the opportunity to continue their education against government policy.
“It’s unreasonable for children to be sent away from school just because they have not paid for lunch," he said.
“The lunch being provided in schools does not offer the required nutrition, and forcing students to pay for it should not be tolerated.”