Distribution of new curriculum books to start next week

The government has revealed that text books for the new curriculum that has entered its final pilot program this year will be distributed from next week.

This comes after complaints from teachers who say that there are no text books and guide books for teachers in schools leaving them stranded.

KNUT Executive Secretary, Nairobi KNUT branch, Macharia Mugwe, sais on Thursday that school heads are stranded.

“We have no materials in our schools, can people be giving more time, you are giving teachers a hard time,” he said.

The Kenya institute of curriculum development CEO Julus Juan, however, says materials for the new syllabus will be available from next week.

Acting Education Cabinet Secretary confirms that challenges are there but the government is working on correcting them.

Dr. Matiang’i says that phasing out of the 8-4-4 curriculum will be completed in 2027.

Speaking during a meeting with education stakeholders at Strathmore University on Friday, he said that the overhaul of the Kenyan education system is a gradual process that needs to be conducted with caution.

Matiang’i said that the review of the Kenyan education system is being funded by taxpayer money and not borrowed cash as it is the norm with other education programs.

“There is still room for discussion and we are open to ideas to boost the curriculum. However we believe that the value based system will also take care of our cultures and African values,” said Matiang’i.

The CS who was flanked by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Council (KICD) chairperson Sarah Ruto also said that teachers have already been trained in order for them to suit the new 2-6-6-3 curriculum.

He further said that plans to educate parents on the new curriculum are underway.

Ms. Ruto noted that the content that the teachers have aligns to the needs of the new curriculum but underscored that the only difference between the old and the new systems is how the teachers handle learners and deliver the content.

Kenya has embarked on replacing the ‘rigid’ 8-4-4 system and is replacing it with the 2-6-6-3 system.

Education experts argue that the new system will equip learners with skills and competencies and will focus on administering continuous assesment tests to learners effectively ending the old system’s end of cycle tests.

Reforms

Matiang’i also re-affirmed the government’s commitment to ensure that all satellite campuses are closed stating that universities should concentrate more on improving education standards as opposed to expanding.

He also announced that lecturers will be from now on be hired on contract basis as proof of their work ethic before getting employed on a permanent basis.