Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has sent a fiery response to complaints raised on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Speaking on Thursday, September 9, while on a tour of the Western region, Magoha termed the complaints raised on the efficacy of CBC as just 'nonsense.'
The CS blamed political leaders and others he called "busybodies" for discrediting the new curriculum, which is still under implementation.
Affirming his support to the system, Magoha claimed the CBC system is the best thing that has happened to his life.
"All this nonsense you are hearing ignore them and I can assure you. In my life, I think the only thing that is happened now is the Competency-Based Curriculum. Let us not allow busybodies and politicians to divert us. Why would you think that we are not working behind the curtains to ensure that the transition is smooth?” he posed.
Magoha maintained that the government is fully behind the full implementation of CBC.
However, he noted some infrastructural problems in the implementation of the new curriculum but maintaining that the government is fully aware and already addressing them.
"It is also true that we have an infrastructure problem. How do you want us to deal with it! We are dealing with it. And I have said many times most schools are not filled to capacity. One does not become a professor without going to school. Some of those people who shout look at their credentials!" Magoha posed.
He further rubbished complaints from parents that CBC books are expensive, saying that the government had already procured the books and other learning materials.
He described those calling for the phasing out of the new system as "malicious", insisting that the government is determined to make sure CBC is fully implemented.
Magoha's response comes just hours after The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) also issued a statement on the public outcry on the burden of CBC.
KICD pleaded with the parents to exercise patience with CBC as they try to address some of the concerns raised.
"Let us not throw the baby out with the bathwater. CBC is being implemented in phases to pave way for a smooth transition and to fix emerging issues," the statement read in part.
"Parents, we have heard you. We need to exercise restraint as the issues raised are being reviewed by the relevant entities."
The Law Society of Kenya President, Nelson Havi on the other hand had vowed to file a legal suit against CBC.
"I have heard your cries parents, guardians, and teachers. The petition challenging CBC will be filed in court next week," Havi wrote through his social media page on Thursday, September 9.
"The education system in Kenya should not be an expensive, inefficient and ineffective experiment with our learners and their future as is our leadership," Havi noted.
