Parents, residents and education experts in Kiambu town have supported a proposal by the government to review the current 8-4-4 education system to 2-6-6-3 system.
According to the parents, the current system has failed and that it’s high time the government introduced an effective system that will impart skills to students.
The residents noted that the current 8-4-4 system is pegged on certificates and denies students chance to be imparted with the required practical skills.
“It is time for the government and stakeholders in the education sector to introduce education systems that will impart students with practical skills,” said George Wachira, a resident.
Mr Wachira noted that much emphasis has been put on passing examinations at the expense of giving skills to students.
Jennifer Muchiri who is an education coordinator in Kiambu welcomed the proposal by the government saying it is timely.
She noted that the 8-4-4 system has failed and that the government needs to come up with proper system to manage the education sector.
“The proposal by the government to shift from the 8-4-4 system to the 2-6-6 system is timely and will help train students based on practical skills said that review of the system is timely,” said Ms Muchiri.
She however called for proper consultations among stakeholders in the education sector before the changes are implemented.
“There is no need for the government to rush in implementing the ne system but it should involve and engage stakeholders on the same,” she said.
Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i announced last week that there was a proposal to scrap the 8-4-4 system.
The CS had said that the government was deliberating with stakeholders to in efforts to have the curriculum changed.
Education experts have been calling for the review of the 8-4-4 system blaming it for producing graduates who have no practical skills.
Experts have also blamed the system for putting too much emphasis on paper work and certificates at the expense of practical knowledge and skills.