Insecurity, poor internet connectivity and a shortage of teachers have been blamed for derailing the implementation of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) in the country’s North Eastern Region.
According to Garissa Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Executive Secretary Abdirizak Hussein, unlike in other parts of the country, the North Eastern region is experiencing insecurity issues that need to be addressed first in order for the CBC’s implementation to be a success.
Hussein was at NEP Girls National High School during submission to the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms in a forum that was held to collect views from the public on the CBC.
“Internet plays an integral part in the success of CBC, yet North Eastern lags behind in terms of connectivity,” said Hussein.
The Garissa KNUT boss agreed that even though teachers have already been equipped with state-of-the-art gadgets, a lack of connectivity has rendered them useless.
“Internet is there but it is not reliable. This renders tutors’ knowledge and equipment useless. In fact, they have to travel long distances in search of the same,” said Hussein.
Hussein implored stakeholders to invest in the development of infrastructure and recruit more teachers in the region.
“Teachers have to download and upload examinations and results thus it may take days for North-Eastern tutors to administer CBC assessments and tutors’ tutorials. The acute teacher shortage in this volatile area is not a blessing either.
“Adding insult to injury in some schools. Just one teacher manages 400 kids yet the CBC needs as many teachers as possible,” he added.
Attending the same forum, NEP Girls High School Chief Principal Jewahir Mohammed revealed that parents had expressed their reservations due to how expensive the CBC was.
“I urge the government to secure the region so that non-local teachers can peacefully teach anywhere in this region,” said Jewahir.
Another Kenyan citizen from the region also called on the government through the Ministry of Education to ensure the school feeding programme is stepped to boost enrollment and retain learners in schools.
With the food shortage crisis being experienced in drought-stricken areas in the country, the school feeding programme has been suggested as the best way to attract learners back to schools and retain them there.
On their part, the delegation’s team leader, Dr Wilson Kogo said that most of the challenges facing the region were similar to those experienced in other parts of the country.
“You are not walking alone in the lack of connectivity road, many parts of the country face similar situations,” said Kogo.
He said that wanting ICT infrastructure and a lack of teachers was the main challenge that was facing the proper implementation of the CBC.
Lauding education stakeholders, leadership and parents for attending the forum and presenting their views.
“My team is impressed by the turnout and the noble way you presented your valued views,” added Kogo.
Earlier, Dr Kogo and his team had visited Mandera and Wajir counties before visiting Garissa.
The 49-members Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms was constituted to seek views from the public on the contentious education system.