Students sitting for exams. There will not be regular exams in the new 2-6-3-3-3 system that has been launched. [Photo/Star]

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Education CS Fred Mating’i’s entry into the Education Ministry was the highlight of President Kenyatta’s appointment of Cabinet Secretaries in his first term in office.

The tough-talking minister has transformed the ministry and the education sector at large, with different programmes to the effect.

One of the many projects he has initiated includes the newly-launched curriculum, which will see the 32-old 8-4-4 phased out.

Despite murmurs from teachers and other stakeholders that the programme is being rushed, the CS has said all is in place for the implementation of the 2-6-3-3-3 curriculum.

The system (8-4-4), was deemed ‘old’, with changing times in the employment market.

This will be the second time the country will change the education system, after the first 7-4-2-3 system.

The new curriculum, which was piloted last year in 470 schools, is seen by education stakeholders as the missing link between good training and the job market since it is skill-based.

In the new system, students will only seat for Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs) on the skills acquired, as opposed to the current system that burdens with end year exams after a long period.

The system will also lay emphasis on talent and other skills, which will help in nurturing talent.

Learners will spend 8 years in primary and will learn Kiswahili, English, literacy, and mother tongue as well as science, social studies and agricultural activities.

Upper primary will include Kiswahili, English, Mathematics, Home Science, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Creative Arts (art, craft and music), Moral and Life Skills and Physical and Health Education.

Junior Secondary (grades 7, 8 and 9) and Senior Secondary Education (grades 10,11 and 12) will each take three years.

Learners at senior secondary (ages 15-17) will focus on three areas of specialization depending on their skills, talents and interests.

These are arts and sports science, social sciences and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).