Calls for the suspension of the Competency-Based Curriculum have gained momentum following demands issued by parents to President William Ruto.
While making submissions before the Presidential Working Party, parents across the country urged the head of state to suspend the curriculum before January 2023, prior to the task force completing its mandate.
Parents opined that the new curriculum had no clear structures, indicating that it needed an overhaul before being reintroduced.
Benard Wafula, a parent in Bungoma county, expressed that there was a disconnect between education stakeholders, adding that it would hinder the implementation of the curriculum.
“The curriculum was forced on parents, teachers, and learners by the government, but I believe it can work if rolled out smoothly with all stakeholders on board,” he stated.
The demands of the parents were also echoed by a section of teachers who opined that early suspension would help the government find alternatives.
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Homa Bay branch secretary, Patrick Were, explained that students would be affected more if changes were not effected immediately.
"We are glad that Ruto’s government has given us an opportunity, to tell the truth about this curriculum.
“Our position is that the CBC should be suspended as soon as possible until Ruto decides whether to scrap it or continue. As it is today, it is causing harm to teachers, parents and pupils,” Were raised his grievances.
The CBC task force is currently transversing the country to collect views on the curriculum introduced by former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration.
With calls for the suspension of the curriculum, there was lingering uncertainty over the Grade Six examinations scheduled for mid-November 2022.
Candidates are also set to sit national exams from November to December 2022.
The task force led by Professor Raphael Munavu was scheduled to submit its final report with recommendations to Ruto in March 2023.
However, it was also expected to update Ruto on its progress after every two months.
