Deputy President William Ruto has underscored the importance of the new education curriculum whose outcome he said will impact greatly on the mental character of the nation.
Speaking at the ongoing National Conference on Curriculum Reform at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the DP said reforms must be skills and competencies based, as opposed to the current examination-oriented curriculum.
He noted that quality of the new curriculum should have thematic approaches that are relevant to the 21st century.
He also said the new curriculum, must have an internet based paradigm as opposed to book based paradigm that Kenyans have always known.
Ruto said the government had invested in the digital literacy program, which is providing learning institutions with digital content and infrastructure.
"There is need for practical hands-on project based creativity and innovation that encourages transfer of knowledge into problem solving activities that address the challenges of time," he said.
Cabinet Secretary for Education Fred Matiang'i on his part said he will name the team to steer the process next week.
He said the process will bring together parents, religious organisations, the civil society, teachers’ unions among other stakeholders.
Dr Matiang'i said the stakeholders will consult widely to come up with an education curriculum that will be acceptable to all.
Education experts in attendance noted that the reforms must align the education system to nurture individual talents, especially children dropping out of school.
Also in attendance, was the head of USAID in Kenya, Caren Freeman, who expressed optimism that the reviewed curriculum will open more opportunities for Kenyan children.