The High Court has dismissed a petition filed by prominent lawyer Nelson Havi, challenging the implementation of Kenya’s Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). Havi’s petition sought to quash the CBC and revert to the previous 8-4-4 system, arguing that the new curriculum was overly complex, prohibitively expensive, and posed an undue burden on learners.
The CBC, introduced to replace the decades-old 8-4-4 system, emphasizes skills and competencies over rote learning. It aims to foster critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills among learners, aligning Kenya’s education system with global standards. However, the transition has faced criticism and resistance from various quarters, including educators, parents, and policymakers.
Nelson Havi, in his petition, contended that the CBC was hastily implemented without sufficient stakeholder consultation and preparation. He highlighted several concerns, including the high costs associated with the curriculum, the lack of adequate teacher training, and the substantial workload placed on young learners. Havi argued that these issues disproportionately affected learners from marginalized and low-income communities, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The three-judge bench, however, found Havi’s arguments unconvincing. In their ruling, they emphasized that the CBC had undergone extensive pilot testing and stakeholder engagement before its phased implementation. They acknowledged the challenges but noted that these were typical of any major educational reform. The judges underscored the government’s commitment to addressing these issues, pointing to ongoing efforts to train teachers, provide learning materials, and support schools in the transition process.
In their judgment, the judges stated, “Educational reforms, by their very nature, are complex and require time to yield the desired outcomes. The CBC represents a significant shift in our approach to education, focusing on holistic development and practical skills. While there are valid concerns, reverting to the 8-4-4 system would undermine the progress made and the potential benefits of the CBC.”
The ruling was met with mixed reactions. Proponents of the CBC hailed the decision as a victory for progressive education reform. “The CBC is a step in the right direction, and while we acknowledge the challenges, it is crucial to stay the course and address issues as they arise,” said Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha.
Conversely, critics, including some parents and educators, expressed disappointment. “The concerns raised by Mr. Havi are genuine and reflective of the struggles many parents face. The government needs to do more to ensure that the CBC is accessible and equitable for all learners,” said a parent representative.
Despite the court’s decision, the debate over the CBC’s implementation is likely to continue. As the curriculum is further integrated into the education system, the government faces the ongoing task of addressing logistical and financial challenges to ensure that the vision of a competency-based education is realized for all Kenyan learners.
The dismissal of Nelson Havi’s petition marks a pivotal moment in the journey of educational reform in Kenya. As the CBC continues to unfold, stakeholders across the spectrum will need to collaborate to navigate the complexities and fulfill the promise of a transformative education system.
