Kenya’s transition from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) represents a monumental shift aimed at redefining the nation’s educational standards. This change, while met with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism, is hailed by experts as a significant improvement over its predecessor. Maurice Aketch, a seasoned educationist and deputy principal at Makini Junior School, strongly advocates for the CBC, describing it as the best decision Kenya has made to enhance its education system.
The Limitations of the 8-4-4 System
The 8-4-4 system, introduced in 1985, was characterized by its heavy emphasis on academic achievement through standardized testing. Students were often evaluated solely based on their ability to memorize and regurgitate information, leading to a culture of cramming rather than true learning. This approach produced graduates who, while academically qualified, often lacked the practical skills required to thrive in the job market.
Critics of the 8-4-4 system argued that it failed to foster holistic development in learners, focusing primarily on academic grades at the expense of essential life skills. This one-dimensional approach not only stifled creativity but also left students ill-prepared for real-world challenges.
The Holistic Approach of CBC
In contrast, the CBC emphasizes a more holistic development of learners, focusing on the acquisition of competencies, skills, and values that are essential for personal and societal growth. Aketch highlights that the CBC moves away from traditional grading systems and instead assesses students based on their abilities to apply knowledge in practical situations.
“We are no longer grading but assessing the competencies, the skills, and the values that a child has acquired through a school process,” Aketch explains. This progressive hands-on learning process allows learners to demonstrate their innate abilities with minimal teacher intervention, fostering independence and critical thinking.
Practical Learning in CBC
One of the standout features of the CBC is its focus on practical learning. For instance, instead of merely teaching students about cooking ingredients and recipes in a traditional classroom setting, the CBC turns this into a project that spans weeks, allowing students to engage in actual cooking until they master the skill. This method not only ingrains the knowledge but also ensures that students can apply it in real-life situations.
Similarly, in subjects like soil conservation, students are tasked with creating model farms, which they must demonstrate through community-based learning. This practical approach extends beyond the classroom, allowing students to connect their academic learning with real-world applications.
Addressing Skepticism
Despite its advantages, the CBC has faced criticism, particularly regarding its perceived complexity and the demands it places on both learners and educators. However, Aketch dismisses the notion that the CBC overlooks academic rigor. He explains that the curriculum content has been carefully revised to ensure that learners can compete globally while also acquiring practical skills.
Moreover, Aketch emphasizes the importance of continued teacher training and public sensitization to address skepticism and ensure the successful implementation of the CBC. “All the stakeholders and the public should be sensitized on the nitty-gritty of the goodness of CBC because a country will develop because of its education system,” he asserts.
The Future of Education in Kenya
As Kenya phases out the 8-4-4 system, with the 2023 cohort of Standard 8 learners being the last to sit for the KCPE exams, the focus now shifts to fully integrating and refining the CBC. The government’s decision to retain Junior School learners in primary schools, where they can continue to develop in a familiar environment, is seen as a positive step.
Looking ahead, Aketch advocates for ongoing teacher retooling and public education about the CBC to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with the curriculum’s objectives. By doing so, Kenya can solidify the CBC’s role in shaping a generation of well-rounded, competent, and skilled individuals, ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
