By Benter Opande
New curriculum, Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was introduced in Kenya with the aim of transforming the education system, focusing on practical skills, values, and competencies needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. However, the implementation of CBC has encountered significant obstacles, chief among them being the shortage of textbooks and learning materials specifically tailored for the curriculum. This gap has left teachers struggling to deliver on CBC's promise, especially in under-resourced schools.
The matter of concern has been raised by stakeholders, including the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) and educators across the country, is the need for a more comprehensive approach to supporting teachers. KEWOTA CEO Benter Opande has highlighted the importance of equipping educators with digital tools such as laptops and tablets preloaded with CBC-aligned content. Such an initiative would not only ease the teaching process but also provide teachers with equal access to high-quality resources, particularly in marginalized and rural areas where printed materials are still in short supply.
While the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has worked tirelessly to guide the implementation of CBC, the translation of competencies into practical, accessible learning materials remains a challenge. The scarcity of textbooks is a critical issue that disproportionately impacts schools in low-income areas, where parents are often unable to afford the materials required by the curriculum. This situation risks exacerbating the divide between privileged and underprivileged learners, undermining the fundamental goal of the CBC to provide equal educational opportunities to all.
CBC was designed to move away from rote learning and equip students with real-world problem-solving skills. However, there are growing concerns about whether the curriculum truly prepares students for the future. Education, at its core, should serve as a social equalizer, but the implementation challenges associated with CBC risk deepening existing inequalities in the education system.
For CBC to realize its transformative potential, stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention from the highest levels of government. Among the key actions proposed are comprehensive teacher training, affordable, high-quality learning materials, investing in digital infrastructure, and encouraging open-source educational resources. Teachers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement the CBC effectively. Training programs should focus on helping educators create lesson plans that align with the competency framework, assess student progress in line with CBC’s objectives, and use digital resources to enhance learning experiences.
Stakeholders are urging the government to facilitate partnerships between KICD, publishers, and digital innovators to develop CBC-aligned textbooks and learning tools that are both affordable and widely accessible to all schools, particularly those in underprivileged areas. The government should prioritize the introduction of laptops, tablets, and internet access to schools across the country. This investment would not only address the textbook shortage but also prepare students for a future increasingly dominated by digital technologies. Open-source platforms for sharing teaching materials should be encouraged. This would allow educators to collaborate and create resources that can be used across schools, particularly in resource-strapped areas.
While the CBC has the potential to transform Kenya’s education system, its success hinges on addressing the existing resource gaps, providing teachers with the necessary support, and ensuring equitable access to learning materials. The call from stakeholders, including KEWOTA, educators, and other concerned parties, is clear: urgent intervention is needed to ensure that the transition to CBC is successful and benefits all learners, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Education is the foundation of a prosperous society, and it is essential that every Kenyan child has the opportunity to succeed. By investing in teacher training, digital infrastructure, and accessible learning materials, Kenya can ensure that the CBC achieves its intended outcomes and equips the next generation with the skills they need to thrive.
Benter Opande is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Women Teachers Association KEWOTA