They say when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. When huge bodies tasked with implementing the new curriculum point fingers at one another, then it is the learner who suffers. When learners hear or read headlines like, “Teachers vow not to support the new curriculum,” they suffer heartbreak in silence. They are left at cross-roads as to what to do.
For the implementation of the new curriculum of 2-6-3-3-3 to take off smoothly, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) must work together. Pointing accusing fingers at one another will only disillusion the learners who are eager to get on with their studies.
KNUT secretary general Wilson Sossion, while addressing journalist at KNUT offices in Nairobi yesterday said KNUT will not be part of the new curriculum. He went ahead and blamed KPA for not having supplied schools with the new learning materials (books and teaching aid).
The new curriculum debate has been there for quite a while now with stakeholders in the education sector deeply divided on the way forward. Some are of the opinion that the 8-4-4 system should not be phased out but majority seem to agree that Kenya need a new curriculum and that the 2-6-3-3-3 model promises a brighter future as far as wholesome learning is concerned. The question of to do or not to do should not arise now. The problem seem to be in its implementation.
The government has also thrown plans into disarray after moving the tough former Education cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i from Education ministry to interior ministry.Matiang’I was the main driving force towards a new curriculum but now that he has been plucked out, the future of 2-6-3-3-3 looks bleak.
Education ministry has a new boss and things are yet to take shape.KNUT,KPA and KICD should put their difference aside and prioritize the interest of the learner or else 2-6-3-3-3 will remain a case of arrested development.