Government Engages Parents in Nationwide Discussion on CBC Implementation
The Kenyan government has called on parents, teachers, and education stakeholders to participate in a week-long dialogue on the Competency-Based Education (CBE) programme. This initiative aimed at evaluating and improving the country’s education system, is set to take place across all 47 counties from March 7 to March 13, 2025.
In a notice issued by the Ministry of Education on Thursday, March 6, the government highlighted the importance of this nationwide discussion, which will focus on assessing the progress and quality of education under the CBE framework that has been in place since 2019. The government is keen on gathering input from all sectors of the education system to ensure that the transition from the traditional 8-4-4 curriculum to the new CBE approach is smooth and effective.
The dialogues, organized by the State Department for Basic Education, aim to review the achievements, challenges, and opportunities presented by the implementation of CBE. The initiative is part of an ongoing effort to engage all stakeholders and gain a deeper understanding of the public’s perspective on the new curriculum.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba is scheduled to launch the dialogues at Machakos People’s Park, Machakos County, on March 7, 2025. Following the launch, discussions will continue in various counties across the country. These meetings are not only an opportunity to update stakeholders on the status of the CBE rollout but also serve as a platform for validating the guidelines for transitioning students from Junior to Senior School.
The dialogues will cover several key areas, including teacher recruitment and capacity-building, the evaluation of learning outcomes under CBE, and gathering feedback from parents, teachers, and other stakeholders on the challenges faced during the implementation process.
On March 7, the discussions will kick off in Machakos before moving to Samburu’s Maralal Polytechnic on March 10. Other venues for March 10 include Meru School, Nasokol Girls in West Pokot, and Mokowe Arid Primary School in Lamu. Additional sessions are set for Marsabit, Trans Nzoia, Busia, Garissa, Kisii, and several other regions. The dialogue will extend to other regions such as Migori, Nyeri, Wajir, and Kisumu, among others, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the country.
The series of forums will also take place in counties like Taita Taveta, Vihiga, Tharaka Nithi, Uasin Gishu, and Kirinyaga on March 11. On March 12, discussions will be held in counties such as Nyamira, Murang’a, and Mombasa, with additional sessions planned for Kitui, Kakamega, and Isiolo.
The final round of discussions will take place in Laikipia, Tana River, and Nairobi on March 13, with the last meeting being held at St. George’s Primary in Nairobi.
This nationwide dialogue is a critical step for the government as it seeks to refine and improve the CBE system, ensuring that it meets the needs of all Kenyan students and prepares them for a dynamic and evolving global landscape. The government hopes that through these discussions, parents and other stakeholders will contribute valuable insights that will guide the future of education in Kenya.
With a focus on inclusivity and collaboration, this series of dialogues presents an opportunity for Kenyans to have a direct say in the shaping of their educational policies and practices, ultimately ensuring that the country’s education system delivers the best possible outcomes for future generations.
