The current education system could be in its sunset after education Cabinet Secretary hinted of a ‘total overhaul’ under his leadership.
Fred Matiang’i who took the better part of his Sunday in traversing schools in his Nyamira backyard and kept on raising critical concerns about the current 8-4-4 system that has been in operation since 1985.
Speaking at Nyambaria High School on Sunday, Matiang'i said the ministry was in the final touches with stakeholders to give Kenyans a ’friendly’ system that will prepare learners for future innovation.
“We have tested this (8-4-4) for a longtime and Kenyans have seen its merits and demerits," said Matiang'i.
"I have always asked why we should expose our children to a lot of theoretical work without helping them to be future innovators,” he said.
“With powers vested in me, I am very keen to give Kenyans a friendly system that will enable learners to handle tough economic challenges they face after getting the education,” Matiang’i said.
He also questioned the traditional habit of subjecting leaners to ‘many subjects’ which were unhelpful in their future careers at institutions of higher learning.
“For instance, you subject a learner to more than seven subjects and he ends up with a career different from a number of many subjects done in high school," he said.
"Something must be done urgently and I really need your support,” he added.
Matiang’i also revealed his intentions to see active vocational training colleges and village polytechnics and talent nurturing centers to enable all children to get equal treatment in the education system.
“My aim is to see vibrant vocational colleges, polytechnics and even talent nurturing centers so that we don’t render dreams of those who don’t excel in academics irrelevant," said the CS.
"Time has come for us to change the system and take a different dimension that is acceptable,” he said.
His remarks come after a special committee of education stakeholders is scrutinising a proposal of 2-6-6-3 system poised to replace the current system.