High Court Upholds Competency-Based Curriculum; Orders Education CS Machogu to Align Laws with CBC Structure

The High Court’s decision to decline the petition to scrap the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) education system represents a significant ruling on the educational framework in Kenya. The petition, led by lawyer Nelson Havi, aimed to challenge the CBC’s implementation. However, the court ruled in favor of maintaining the CBC structure while mandating amendments to the basic education laws to ensure alignment with the CBC framework.

Continuation of CBC: The High Court has decided not to abolish the CBC, indicating that the system will remain in place.

Legislative Amendments: The court ordered the Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, to make necessary amendments to the basic education laws. These amendments are intended to align the existing legal framework with the CBC structure, ensuring that the education laws support and facilitate the curriculum’s implementation.

Legal and Structural Alignment: This ruling emphasizes the need for legal structures to support educational reforms. By aligning the laws with the CBC, the implementation process is expected to be more streamlined and legally sound.

The CBC, which focuses on developing students’ competencies and practical skills rather than just academic knowledge, has been a subject of debate in Kenya. Proponents argue that it better prepares students for the demands of the modern world, while critics have raised concerns about its implementation and the resources required.

This ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in balancing educational reforms with legal frameworks, ensuring that significant changes in the education system are supported by appropriate legislation.