Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has expressed a contrary opinion from some of the Kenya Kwanza principals over the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) education system.
On numerous occasions, Kenya Kwanza principals – Moses Wetangula of Ford Kenya and Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi have said they would abolish CBC should they form the government.
Deputy President Willliam Ruto who is also part of the Kenya Kwanza outfit has however steered clear of the subject.
But according to Mandago, CBC is the way to go.
Speaking during the official opening of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) office in Eldoret, the county boss noted that he fully supports the implementation of the new education curriculum.
He, however, challenged the government to invest in doing more consultative meetings with stakeholders to address challenges that have been witnessed so far.
“I support CBC. The only thing is there was not sufficient consultation. I ask the ministry to invest in discussing with all stakeholders and come up with solutions to challenges experienced in implementation,” Mandag said
“CBC is the way to go. If you see what CBC children are able to do, we’re very happy,” he added.
Mandago also admitted that he has been privileged to have children that are both in CBC and 8-4-4 systems, and the verdict so far is that, those in CBC are giving him hope.
“I have two sets of children and I can tell you that I have hope with those in CBC – because they are practicing the everyday life things. By the time they grow, we will not have problems with them,” he noted.
The governor also hailed the government for initiating reforms in the education sector.
But he called on further investing in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), warning that Kenya might be headed for neo-colonialism if it does not prioritize having a good education system.
“As a nation, we should prioritize proper education system over everything else. If we don’t fund TVET and embrace CBC, we must prepare for the new colonization,” Mandago said.