Kenyan parents want the cost of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) lowered; this is according to Usawa Agenda Assessment Report.
The report, based on Literacy and Numeracy Assessment, reveals that a staggering 74.8% of parents are demanding a reduction in the financial burden imposed by the new curriculum.
Against the backdrop of the global discourse surrounding SDG 4 and whether it can be realized before 2030, the report dubbed, ‘FLANA Report 2023,’ gives insight into the challenges faced by Kenya in its transition to the CBC.
In 2023, the implementation of CBC in Kenya was marked by intense debates, ranging from technical viability to the availability of necessary resources.
Further, the report exposes a sentiment shared by a significant majority of Kenyan parents, with 7 in 10 expressing dissatisfaction primarily due to the high expenses associated with constant purchase of learning materials.
Of concern, however, is financial strain on parents, who bear over 38% of the overall cost of education as per the report.
The report goes beyond numbers to capture parent’s sentiments on the burdens imposed by the CBC.
“8 in 10 parents want the cost incurred by parents on purchasing learning materials lowered,” the report indicates.
A notable 68.2% of parents cite the high cost of purchasing materials as their major concern, followed by 10.4% expressing discomfort with constant parental involvement in their child’s learning activities.
Beyond the immediate impact on parental wallets, the high costs associated with the CBC was also found to have broader implications for the success of the curriculum.
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At the same time, the report points out that the financial burden hinders the effective engagement of parents in their children’s learning activities, impacting the core principle of the CBC’s learner-centered approach.
Report on Parents’ Recommendations
In response to the challenges posed by the CBC, the FLANA Report outlines parents’ suggested remedies.
According to the findings, 8 in 10 parents want the cost incurred by parents on purchasing learning materials lowered while 8 in 100 parents want the TSC to post enough teachers to schools.
Also, in the same report, 5 in 100 parents want learning areas reduced.
At the start of school reopening in 2024, learners in lower grade were expected to bring with them 30 A4 exercise books and 16 textbooks, a move that left parents grappling with financial considerations.
While parents are committed to providing quality education for their children, the sheer volume of required materials raises questions about the practicality and necessity of such extensive learning resources.
Also Read: CS Machogu Addresses the Future of CBC Implementation
According to the report, if the extensive demand of learner materials is addressed, parents discontent with CBC would be arrested.
While the majority of parents focus on the financial aspects, a noteworthy 8.2% express the need for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to post enough teachers to schools for the CBC’s success.
This highlights the broader infrastructure challenges that must be addressed to ensure a smooth transition and implementation of the new curriculum.
