The recently released CBC Task Force Report outlines a comprehensive set of recommendations poised to reshape the landscape of education in Kenya.
From restructuring the school system to enhancing teacher training and implementing sustainable financing models, the report aims to address current challenges and pave the way for a more equitable, inclusive, and effective education system.
The key recommendations include:
1. Comprehensive School System: A Paradigm Shift in Education (PP1 — Grade 9)
The task force recommends the adoption of a Comprehensive School System, consolidating Pre-Primary, Primary, and Junior Schools into a single institution.
The removal of the term “Secondary” aims to streamline the educational journey for students.
2. Foundational Learning Investment: Building Blocks for Success
Prioritizing foundational learning is crucial to preventing future crises in education.
The report underscores the importance of investing in basic literacy, numeracy, and transferable skills to create a solid foundation for acquiring higher-order skills.
3. Streamlining Learning Areas: Reducing Overload and Overlaps
To address curriculum overload, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) proposes a reduction in the number of learning areas at different educational levels.
This strategic move aims to enhance the quality of education by minimizing redundancy.
4. Categorization Based on Career Pathways: A New Perspective for Senior Schools
The task force recommends replacing the current categorization of public Secondary schools with a system based on career pathways.
This shift aims to align education with students’ future career goals, fostering more targeted and practical learning experiences.
5. Integration of Education Management: KEMIS and Birth Registration
Renaming the Education Management Information System (EMIS) to Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS), and integrating birth registration, marks a holistic approach to student tracking.
This collaborative effort between the Ministries of Education and Interior ensures a comprehensive database.
6. Strengthening Teacher Training: KeSTEM and KeTTC Initiatives
The Ministry of Education is advised to establish the Kenya School of Teacher and Education Management (KeSTEM) for in-service training and delegate the administration of pre-service teacher training to the Kenya Teacher Training College (KeTTC).
7. Quality Assurance Enhancement: Shaping Basic Education Standards
To eliminate overlaps in the Quality Assurance and Standards function, the task force suggests transferring these functions from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to the Ministry of Education.
Additionally, it emphasizes fortifying the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Standards at the State Department of Basic Education.
8. Teacher Retooling and Internship Programs: Ensuring CBC Compliance
In an effort to attract, develop, and retain effective teachers, a one-year mandatory retooling program for pre-service training graduates and a one-year internship program are recommended before teachers are officially registered.
9. Minimum Essential Package for Schools: Financial Support Framework
To support schools with varying enrollments, the task force proposes a minimum essential package, specifying recommended amounts for Pre-Primary, Primary, Junior School, Senior School, and Special Needs Education.
The recommended amounts are:
- Ksh. 70,200 for Pre- Primary;
- Ksh. 537,120 for Primary level;
- Ksh. 2,030,805 for Junior School;
- Ksh. 3,041,145 for Senior School; and
- Ksh. 1,890,000 for Special Needs Education.
10. Revised Capitation: Adapting to CBC Realities
The task force advocates for a revised capitation structure to align with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) requirements.
Implement revised capitation in view of the realities of CBC as follows:
- Ksh 1,170 for Pre-Primary;
- Ksh. 2,238 for Primary level;
- Ksh. 15,043 for Junior School;
- Ksh. 22,527 for Senior School (Day);
- Ksh. 19,800 for SNE (Day) and
- Ksh. 38,280 for SNE (Boarding);
- and consider increasing the grant for ACE.
The capitation and grants to be reviewed every three years based on evolving educational needs.
11. Centralized Bursary and Scholarship Management: Kenya Basic Education Bursaries and Scholarship Council
To streamline the administration of bursaries and scholarships, the task force proposes the establishment of the Kenya Basic Education Bursaries and Scholarship Council, succeeding the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation.
12. Accelerated Education Programs: Guidelines for Inclusion and Equity
Guidelines for accelerated education programs are recommended for marginalized groups, learners with special needs, and adult and continuing education.
This move aims to enhance equitable access and inclusion across diverse educational needs.
13. TVET-Industry Linkages: Paving the Path for Career Continuity
Institutionalizing linkages between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and industries, along with creating pathways between TVET and universities, fosters a seamless transition for students into the workforce.
14. Sustainable Financing for University Education: Addressing Equity
The task force suggests a sustainable financing model for university education, combining grants, scholarships, loans, and household contributions.
This approach targets different student categories, ensuring equitable access and inclusion.
15. Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill: Enhancing Efficiency
Enacting the proposed Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, which amalgamates the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), University Fund Board (UFB), and TVET Fund, is expected to enhance efficiency in higher education funding.
16. Ring-Fencing Resources for VTCs: A Commitment to Vocational Training Centers
Both the National and County Governments are encouraged to develop a financing framework for ring-fencing resources for Vocational Training Centers (VTCs), emphasizing the importance of vocational education.
17. Operationalizing the Open University: Expanding Access to Higher Education
The government is urged to operationalize the Open University in Kenya, with the first cohort of students expected to be admitted in September 2023.
This move aims to broaden access to higher education opportunities.
18. Strengthening University Governance: Amendments to the Universities Act
Amendments to the Universities Act are proposed to strengthen university governance.
Key changes include excluding the Public Service Commission (PSC) from the Chancellor’s appointment process, introducing a selection panel, and empowering councils in top management appointments.
19. Environmental Conservation in Education: A Holistic Approach
Institutionalizing environmental conservation and climate change action in all learning institutions underscores a commitment to fostering eco-conscious practices among students.
20. Mandatory Community Service: Bridging Education and Social Responsibility
Introducing a mandatory three-month community service program for Senior School graduates, both before and after tertiary education, emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and community engagement.
A certificate of compliance becomes a prerequisite for entering the workforce.
21. Internal Capacity Building for KNEC: Ensuring Assessment Independence
The task force recommends enhancing the internal capacity of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to print national assessments, ensuring the independence and reliability of the assessment process.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Educational Transformation
The CBC Task Force Report and Recommendations present a holistic blueprint for the transformation of the Kenyan education system.
From restructuring schools to promoting environmental consciousness and community engagement, these recommendations aim to create a robust, inclusive, and future-ready educational framework.
The downloadable PDF serves as a comprehensive guide for stakeholders, outlining the path towards a progressive and responsive education system in Kenya.
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Mr. Weldon Kosgei, a dedicated educator with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in Kenya, brings years of experience and a deep love for education to his role at TSCNewsToday.co.ke. He provides insightful and timely updates on TSC policies, educational trends, and best practices, making his articles valuable resources for educators and administrators. Mr. Kosgei’s commitment to enhancing education shines through in his writing, connecting and inspiring the teaching community across Kenya.
