Kenya: Kicd – Stop Doing Your Child’s Homework

“If a child has been given an assignment and you the parent decide to do the work, then you are not helping him or her develop and acquire these competencies,” Prof Ong’ondo said.

He added that it is through the assignments and engagements that learners meet the intended purpose of the CBC, “which, unlike the 8-4-4 system, has shifted from knowledge-based to focus on practical learning, development of skills and nurturing values”.

Prof Ong’ondo said plans are underway to conduct a countrywide engagement with parents on the new curriculum and urged Kenyans to air their grievances within the established structures of schools.

“Guidelines on parents’ engagements have been developed and are on the KICD website,” he said.

Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) chief executive, David Njeng’ere, said the CBC core competencies are significant in the 21st century as they are meant to harmonise the country’s education with regional systems.

“Instead of people questioning digital literacy in schools, for instance, we should deal with the challenge. Doing away with it will increase the gap,” he said.

Dr Njeng’ere added that Knec is planning a pilot study in schools from September 27 to October 1 in preparation for the summative assessment at Grade Six.

The purpose of the study is to establish the suitability of the assessment tools, difficulty level of items, appropriateness of language and reporting format for learners’ competencies among others.