Kenya’s education sector, along with critical issues such as affordable housing and the structural gaps in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), were the focus of a recent meeting between Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, and a delegation of Doctoral Leadership students from USIU-Africa. The delegation, led by Prof. Timothy Oketch, Dean of the Chandaria School of Business, engaged in a deep discussion about the country’s pressing challenges and the role of leadership in addressing them.
One of the most significant issues raised during the meeting was the struggle to successfully implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which Wetang’ula highlighted as having been hindered by poor communication and planning. The Speaker pointed out that the education system has undergone numerous changes over the years, but the CBC’s rollout has faced resistance from both parents and students, primarily due to confusion surrounding its structure and objectives.
“There’s been a lack of clear communication about the CBC,” Wetangula noted. “Parents and students haven’t fully embraced it because they don’t understand how it works and what it aims to achieve. It’s essential that we ensure all stakeholders are well-informed and on board if we are to make the CBC a success.”
The Speaker stressed that a roadmap for implementation, including clear communication and widespread stakeholder engagement, is vital for the successful integration of the CBC into Kenya’s education system. He also emphasized that the focus should not just be on the curriculum itself, but on aligning education with the needs of the labor market. He drew comparisons to Germany, where 70% of graduates specialize in science fields, driving the country’s technological innovation.
“It’s time to ask ourselves: Are we delivering the kind of education that propels our economy forward?” Wetang’ula asked. “Kenya must prioritize fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and invest in skills that will enable the country to compete globally in sectors like artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital technology.”
In line with this, Prof. Oketch raised concerns about Kenya’s challenge with graduate employability, despite the presence of over 70 chartered universities. He pointed out that overcrowded classrooms, a mismatch between academic training and labor market demands, and insufficient emphasis on entrepreneurial skills were contributing to high unemployment rates among graduates. Prof. Oketch called for more investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, as well as digital transformation to equip students with the skills required by future job markets.
“The key is not just to get a degree, but to gain the knowledge and skills that are relevant to the labor market,” Wetang’ula responded. He called for a shift in perspective, urging the public to view education as a means to acquire knowledge and competencies rather than simply as a path to employment.
Beyond education, the meeting also addressed the Affordable Housing agenda, which has been a focal point for successive Kenyan governments. However, concerns were raised about the long-term sustainability of the initiative, particularly if future administrations do not prioritize it.
Prof. Oketch questioned how the housing project could remain viable if the government fails to maintain its commitment to affordable housing. Wetang’ula echoed these concerns, emphasizing that affordable housing is not only a vital part of Kenya’s development agenda but also a constitutional right under Article 43. He referenced Malaysia’s successful approach to affordable housing and called for a robust framework that would ensure continuity even with changes in government leadership.
The absence of a fully constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was another pressing issue discussed. Wetang’ula noted that the delays in reconstituting the IEBC present significant risks, particularly as the country approaches future elections. He called for a seamless transition framework to ensure that knowledge is transferred from one commission to the next, avoiding disruptions that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
In closing, Wetang’ula urged Kenyan universities to step up their research capabilities and provide actionable recommendations to tackle these complex challenges. He emphasized that the academic community has a crucial role to play in shaping solutions that align with Kenya’s long-term development goals.
The meeting underscored the importance of communication, collaboration, and forward-thinking policies in addressing Kenya’s critical challenges. Whether it’s implementing the CBC, ensuring sustainable affordable housing, or strengthening institutions like the IEBC, the path to a prosperous Kenya lies in effective leadership and inclusive, forward-looking strategies.
