Speaker Moses Wetangula Says Poor Communication, Implementation Have Hampered CBC Rollout

The government on November 27  revealed the main challenges behind the Competency- Based Curriculum (CBC) rollout in the education system.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula acknowledged that the new education curriculum had pressing issues that needed to be addressed. The primary issue was poor communication and implementation that hindered the integration of CBC.

Wetangula made these comments when he hosted a delegation of Doctoral Leadership students from USIU-Africa, led by Prof. Timothy Oketch, Dean of the Chandaria School of Business at the institution. 

The speaker underscored the need for a clearer roadmap to ensure the successful implementation of CBC. 

“Our education system has undergone many experiments, but poor communication and planning have hampered the CBC rollout. Parents and students haven’t fully embraced it because they don’t understand it. It’s time to ensure all stakeholders are on board,” Wetang’ula remarked.  

The Speaker of the 13th Parliament emphasized the importance of aligning education with market needs. 

“Are we delivering the kind of education that propels our economy forward? Germany, for instance, has 70% of its graduates in science fields, which drives their technology and innovation. Kenya must focus on fields that also will help propel the Country forward”, said the Speaker.

At the same time, Prof. Oketch highlighted Kenya’s struggle with graduate employability despite having over 70 chartered universities. He noted that overcrowded classrooms and a mismatch between academic training and labor market demands were critical issues.  

“Policies are in place, but enforcement is lacking. We must invest in inclusivity, enhance digital transformation, and strengthen TVET institutions and universities to prepare our youth for jobs of the future. Agriculture drives 60 per cent of our economy, but we need more emphasis on entrepreneurial skills, digital jobs, AI, and robotics to remain competitive.” He added.   

Wetangula on his part, concurred with his fellow scholar. The Speaker also urged a shift from the perception that education guarantees employment. “We need to debunk the fallacy that you go to school to get a job. It is to get knowledge,” he stated.

“We need to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and give digital skills to Kenyans to help meet the global labor market and increase employability,” Wetangula added.

Aside from delving into pressing issues in the education sector, the meeting also covered the Affordable Housing agenda and the potential risks posed by gaps in the IEBC’s structure. Wetangula also urged universities to step up in research and provide actionable recommendations for addressing these challenges.