Challenges experienced in the implementation of the competence based curriculum (CBC) in public junior secondary schools in Kenya

Abstract

This study sough to determine the challenges facing the implementation stage of the competency-based curriculum in junior secondary schools in Kenya. Kenya has been offering the 8-4-4 since 1983. This was a curriculum in which many teachers were trained. The competence based- curriculum marks a mile stone in education since it is shifting education from memorizing and knowledge base to skills acquisition and long-life learning. The study collected both primary and secondary data through observation and reviewing findings form past research studies. Thematic content analysis was done to analyze the data. The study targeted 204 public junior secondary school teachers. The study used Simple random sampling technique to sample to sample 100 junior school teachers. Study employed observation and interview as data collection tools. The study found out that inadequate training of the teachers handling the CBC is a challenge. Lack of adequate resources is also a major challenge since junior schools lack classrooms, laboratories and well as sanitary facilities. Lack of good will by the heads of the institutions towards junior school teachers possess a challenge. Finally, lack of internet connectivity is a challenge facing ICT integration among many schools. The study recommends for the government to avail enough resources to ensure effective implementation of the CBC. It is also recommended that the heads of institutions should have good will towards the junior school teachers.