“Back To 8-4-4 System?” High Court Orders Education CS To Do This Within 14 Days

The High Court has directed Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to take action on the implementation of Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), placing renewed attention on concerns surrounding the effectiveness and cost of the education system.

Under the court directive, Ogamba has been given 14 days to establish a quality assurance commission to assess the implementation, effectiveness and progress of CBC across the country.

The commission is expected to undertake a detailed review of the curriculum and examine how it is being implemented in schools. It will also be required to identify areas that may require improvement and make recommendations on the way forward.

CBC was introduced to replace Kenya’s longstanding 8-4-4 education system, with the new model designed to place greater emphasis on learners’ competencies, practical skills and continuous assessment.

However, its implementation has generated debate among parents, teachers and other education stakeholders. One of the major concerns raised has been the financial burden associated with meeting various curriculum requirements.

Some parents have complained about the cost of learning materials, school projects, assessments and other activities associated with the CBC system. Critics have argued that these expenses can place additional pressure on families, particularly those struggling to meet the broader costs of education.

Some Kenyans have consequently called for a review of CBC, with sections of the public suggesting that the previous 8-4-4 system was simpler and more affordable for ordinary households.

The court-ordered assessment could provide an opportunity for authorities to examine these concerns using a structured review rather than relying solely on competing public opinions.

The quality assurance commission is expected to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the current curriculum and assess whether its objectives are being achieved effectively.

Its findings could become important in determining whether adjustments are required in the way CBC is implemented or whether broader reforms to the education system should be considered.

The directive comes at a time when the future of Kenya's education model remains an important national issue. Parents and teachers are keen to see whether the curriculum can deliver the intended educational outcomes without creating unreasonable financial or administrative pressures.

With the 14-day deadline approaching, attention will now turn to CS Ogamba and the Education Ministry to establish the commission and begin the required assessment.

The eventual findings could have significant implications for the direction of education policy in Kenya, although any decision on the future of CBC would depend on the commission's assessment, government policy and further legal or administrative developments.