President Uhuru Kenyatta hit back at his successor William Ruto, for reviewing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
While addressing mourners and the family of the late Education CS, George Magoha, at Lavington, Nairobi, on Tuesday, January 31, Uhuru indicated that he made the right decision to appoint the deceased to Cabinet.
The review of the CBC, he added, could be a consequential decision that would hamper the growth and progress of learners.
"I believe that when I made him a minister, I made the right choice in putting him at the helm of the education sector. He was a man who deserved that position, and he continued to address curriculum challenges and brought on board a new education system.
"People may say whatever they want to say. They will talk, make noise and return to where they were before. Let us give them time to talk. CBC was not unveiled to hate or spite anyone. It was unveiled to help the children of this republic," he insisted.
According to Uhuru, CBC would also prepare students to face a radical future.
"It would also prepare Kenyans to face the challenge of this changing world, and we are grateful to him (Magoha) for that. This country has lost a great soldier, a great man, and a sincere individual. He was a loyal man who loved what he truly did.
"He did not have time to enjoy the office. For him, it was about work," he added.
Uhuru also compared Magoha to an individual who would speak little but act more, with his successes evident. He added that he worked with Magoha as a team in his condolence message.
"With us, you are a family, and we will continue to stand with you and whatever you require of us. Count on us. We shall be there for you and your family, as Magoha was there with us.
"May the Almighty God rest his soul in peace," he condoled with Magoha's wife, Dr Barbara Magoha.
President William Ruto ordered the review of the CBC a few days after he assumed office. Ruto appointed the Presidential Working Party On Education Reform to address gaps in the CBC curriculum.
The head of state, who had earlier alluded to scrapping CBC, defended his administration’s desire to implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) fully.
“We will look at the issues raised holistically and ensure that the CBC works,” he assured the parents. Ex-CS Magoha, had also warned Ruto against scrapping CBC, stating that such a move would have hampered the growth and development of learners.
Magoha even offered to aid the government during the transition. He was, however, replaced with Ezekiel Machogu as Education CS.
