The Government has released the syllabus for junior secondary learners, which begins in January next year when schools re-open.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) jointly with the Competency Authority of Kenya observes that the consumer rights syllabus for Grade Seven learners is crucial, given the emerging trend in digital financial services.
"Effective January 2023, concepts relating to the two disciplines will be taught in subjects such as Home Science and Business Studies, thereby benefiting over 1.2m learners transitioning to Junior Secondary," read the statement in part.
The Government also released learning areas clusters for Junior Secondary, which will see teachers teaching English, Mathematics, and Pre-technical studies taking five lessons per week. Kiswahili and Integrated Science will be taught four times while foreign languages and Social studies taking three lessons a week.
Virtual Arts/Performing Arts, Business Studies/Computer Studies taking three, Physical Education and Sports, Health Education, and Religious education will be taught twice while Life Skills Education will come once in a week. The communication further said the JS will have spread lessons in 20 subjects.
"In 2024 and 2025, the same concepts will be taught in at least 20 subjects at Grade 8 and 9 respectively and thereafter in over 30 subjects at Senior Secondary Grade 10, 11 and 12," read the statement.
The institutions say the subjects are geared to give learners informed skills for the labour market.
"The objective of this partnership with the KICD is to prepare and impart young citizens with the capacity to make informed consumer choices at adulthood, especially when faced with different products and services due to increased competition and market complexities."
CAK Director General Wang'ombe Kariuki said it is prudent to teach learners competencies at an early age.
"This is informed by emerging realities, especially in digital financial services. Consumer-related issues affect us all irrespective of age," Kariuki said.
