A photo doing rounds on Facebook claiming that the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) was renamed to Kenya Institute of Character Development has been deemed false as it is photoshopped.
In the photo which was shared on Facebook here, the Facebook user argued that he knew the individual responsible for editing the photo and agreed that the image was photoshopped.
However, the comments behind the altered photo were satirical even as it was reshared here, by another Facebook user.
“Lol. Kenyans never disappoint! Anyway, being an alumnus of this Institute, where I graduated with First Class Hons, I highly recommend it to everyone! Enrollment ongoing throughout the year!” the user noted.
It was also shared more here and here and personal Facebook pages.
“Admitted successfully,” the Facebook user claimed.
KICD issued a statement on Facebook against the doctored photo and debunked it as fake and photoshopped.
“Please be advised that the image doing rounds on social media about KICD's name has been manipulated.
“Be aware of fake news."
On Twitter, it added that it was well aware that the motivation behind the manipulated photo was to mock KICD, but cautioned that the photo may be misinterpreted to mean the organisation was renamed.
“There is no harm, to let others know that we haven't changed from what we stand for. This is not the right way to enjoy the fun.”
The manipulated photo that indicates KICD rebranded comes at a time when the agency and the Ministry of Education are grappling with the implemention of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
KICD and Education Cabinet Secretary, George Magoha, have been under pressure to scrap or review CBC which a section of parents and stakeholders claimed was expensive. A case was also filed in court against the curriculum, seeking to have the Ministry revert back to the 8-4-4 system.
KICD CEO Dr Charles Ong'ondo, on Saturday, September 18, however, announced that they will address all challenges based on the feedback issued by critics and stakeholders.
"Why should you go to court when you have 5 million students happy and ready to engage with the course. It is true we have challenges, but why don't you front them so that we can discuss?" CS Magoha questioned.
On October 11, he reviewed the National Education Quality Assurance and Standards Framework (NEQASF) to improve service delivery in learning institutions. Magoha stated that the Framework will enhance learning outcomes based on evidence and good practice.
Therefore, the photo indicating that KICD was renamed is altered and can hamper efforts by the entity to implement CBC. It can also damage its reputation.
This fact-check was produced by Kenyans.co.ke's John Mbati in partnership with Code for Africa with support from Deutsche Welle Akademie.