Allan Onunga

The past influences policymaking. Kenya’s education history shows that by subordinating practical skills and individual learner needs to high-stakes examination, the 8-4-4 system of education failed to nurture problem solving skills and make learners as adaptable and intellectually imaginative as possible. We must flip this by anchoring Competency-Based Education (CBE) on creativity. CBE will dethrone 8-4-4 by 2027 in the basic education sector and realignment of old paradigms is at the core.

Senior School holds great promise, but the first term proved a challenging start, with several chokepoints threatening to undermine the transition. Schools faced obstacles reminiscent of the initial Junior School phase, highlighting the need for structured support for Grade 10 learners. Learning relies on a tripod of teacher, student and parent.

The pioneers of CBE are three months away from transitioning to senior secondary school. Currently, schools are confirming their individual capacities to accommodate different subject combinations based on the pathway strengths. To enrich these choices, schools must underpin experiential learning in their programmes.