Primary teachers seek to join CBC task force

Head teachers during the 17th Kenya Primary Schools head teachers Association annual delegates conference at Sheikh Zayed children welfare centre in Mombasa. Held on December 30, 2021. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

Primary school head teachers now want to be included in the education task force to be set up by president William Ruto.

Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association chairman Johnathan Nzioka said they are an interested party and urged Ruto to give them an opportunity when constituting the team.

''We have been the implementing factor of the CBC project and to ensure the government policy is implemented. We look forward to being part of the taskforce team,'' said Nzioka.

He said this will allow teachers to share their experiences and learn from eminent educationists from across the globe lined up to make key addresses.

''We will expect the Task force to look into our concerns and ensure the gaping gaps are addressed and any shortcomings will be addressed,'' he said during a stakeholders meeting ahead of this year's national conference.

The conference, which begins at Sheikh Zayed Children Welfare Centre, Mombasa from December 3-8 will bring together 15,000 heads of primary schools.

Nzioka urged teachers to keep politics out of the debate around CBC reforms and instead exercise a lot of sobriety and offer constructive ideas.

''As teachers, let's debate on preparedness and our role in the ongoing education reforms and seeking inclusivity and equity, and entrenching value-based education in the country,'' Nzioka said.

Kenya National Union of Teachers deputy Secretary General, Hesbon Otieno, said many achievements might go down the drain if politics takes centre stage.

''Let's sober up as we discuss the new charter. Let's not allow ourselves to take centre stage on criticising the same curriculum we are entrusted to midwife,'' Otieno said.