Uhuru Kenyatta: With the mandate you gave me, you challenged us to enhance the global competitiveness of our human resources.
We did this because every epoch in our nation’s history has placed a unique set of demands. On the skills and competencies required of our people.
Which in turn has required us to reform and recalibrate the content and architecture of our education system.
At Independence
At independence, our Founding Fathers embarked on a mission of course-correction. To transition from a colonial education system.
That prepared learners for servitude. To one that gave them the tools to lead a newly independent Nation.
In 1985, we made yet another monumental shift. By transitioning from the 7-4-2-3 system into the 8-4-4 system.
8-4-4 Curriculum
But with time, the 8-4-4 curriculum became inconsistent. With the aspirations of our growing Nation. Particularly because of its overloaded curriculum.
And its focus on rote learning and the passing of examinations as the ultimate goal of the system. As we begun re-engineering it.
We had to return to the foundational philosophy of education that: ‘citizens do not fail – systems fail them’.
Systems
And if the systems are inconsistent with the aspirations of the people. They must be changed. The challenge of the day calls us.
To imagine a system that creates responsible citizens as opposed to subjects. A system that celebrates the creative potential of all our children.
As opposed to one that leaves them with labels of failure, if they do not pass exams. A system that brings about freedom to be creative and innovative as individuals.
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Competency Based Curriculum
This is the promise of the Competency Based Curriculum. And that is why in December 2022, the pioneer CBC Class, now in its sixth grade. Will transition to Junior Secondary.
Given the manifest successes achieved in this short period of time. There is no turning back with respect to the Competency Based Curriculum.
With the mandate you gave me. We also secured 100% transition from Primary to Secondary education.
Africa’s first
Ensuring that no-child is left behind. We have also achieved Africa’s first 1:1 child to book ratio. And restored the integrity of our national examinations.
In regard to higher education, we live in a time when knowledge is replacing other resources. As the main driver of economic growth.
And thus, education has increasingly become the foundation for greater individual prosperity. Our universities continue to incubate innovations.
Next generation
And prepare the next generation of leaders who are technically proficient. And knowledgeable.
Talents continue to be nurtured and a workforce that is globally competitive. Is with each passing year, transitioning from our institutions of higher learning.
Into prominent positions locally and abroad. To ensure that even those that are not admitted in Universities get an equal chance.
Technical and Vocational Education Training
We have transformed our Technical and Vocational Education Training.
Where there stood only 52 institutions in 2013, today we are home to 238 institutes, representing a 435% growth.
With this transformation, every Kenyan child has a chance.
