CBC is here to stay, Magoha tells its critics

CS George Magoha cuts a tape to commission a newly constructed CBC classroom at Mukunike Secondary School in Kangundo. [Erastus Mulwa, Standard]

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has said the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is here to stay despite the criticism the new system of education has been receiving.

He said the government has trained enough teachers to ensure smooth implementation of the curriculum.  

Magoha told opponents of the new system that the government will abandon it, arguing that CBC will offer solutions to some of the social ills affecting Kenya, including corruption.

"CBC is here to stay and those opposed to it are wasting their time. We will not abolish it. The government is keen on implementing CBC successfully and so, there is no cause for fear that it will fail," said Magoha who spoke at St Patrick Makunga Secondary in Trans-Nzoia County where he commissioned a CBC classroom on Saturday.

He warned Kenyans against politicising CBC. 

The minister termed those fighting CBC as being ignorant of the merits of the new system.

"Anybody saying CBC should be scrapped is not honest. Would you like a child who has taken eight years learning under CBC to go to a different system? That will not be practical," he said describing CBC as a "gift" to the Kenyan children.

"There is nothing better than what the government has given to our children in CBC," Magoha said.

He added: "Kenyans have to understand that all teachers are competent. All we are doing now is to realign the way they teach through understanding the needs of CBC," the CS said.

In the meantime, Magoha said the government has already constructed most of the junior secondary classrooms needed, with Mandera County having the highest number.

"We are satisfied with the progress Mandera County has registered with 93 per cent of the new classrooms being completed," said the CS.

Mandera, he said, is followed Garissa and Wajir where 80 per cent of the needed classrooms are ready.

At least 1,200 new classrooms have been completed countrywide out of which 200 have been handed over to the government by contractors.