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Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is once again under scrutiny as education stakeholders push for the inclusion of French as a subject. During a recent symposium in Buruburu, Nairobi, educators and language experts emphasized the need to integrate French into the CBC curriculum, arguing that it would open doors for Kenyan students in the global job market and enhance international communication.
The CBC education system in Kenya has been undergoing major reforms, including restructuring senior secondary schools into pathways that focus on different career specializations. However, one question remains—should French be included as part of the CBC subjects?
Understanding CBC: What It Means for Kenya’s Education System
CBC Meaning and Purpose
The CBC system was introduced to replace the traditional 8-4-4 system, aiming to equip learners with practical skills and competencies rather than just theoretical knowledge. The curriculum is structured around CBC core competencies, which include:
- Communication and collaboration
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Imagination and creativity
- Citizenship
- Digital literacy
- Self-efficacy
- Learning to learn
Stakeholders now argue that learning a foreign language like French aligns perfectly with these competencies, particularly communication, global citizenship, and digital literacy.
CBC Curriculum Design and Structure
The CBC curriculum structure follows a 2-6-3-3-3 model, where students progress from Pre-Primary to Grade 12 before choosing higher education or vocational training. French is already offered in some secondary schools but is not an official CBC subject at the primary level.
The CBC KNEC portal provides a breakdown of the subjects students can take, and stakeholders now want French to be part of the approved list. This would require adjustments to the current CBC curriculum design and inclusion of relevant CBC schemes of work.
Why Stakeholders Want French in CBC
The proposal to introduce French into CBC is based on several key benefits:
1. Expanding Job Opportunities
French is spoken in over 30 countries worldwide, including many African nations. Stakeholders believe that incorporating it into the CBC curriculum will help Kenyan students secure jobs in international trade, diplomacy, tourism, and multinational companies.
“We need to embrace French so that it can help leaders who want to work in French-speaking countries,” said Jackson Bukachi, a French teacher advocating for the subject’s inclusion.
2. Enhancing Global Connectivity
In today’s world, bilingualism is an essential skill. Learning French would enable Kenyan students to engage better in global conversations and access international education opportunities.
“We have language barriers when it comes to communicating internationally. Our learners need to be able to speak French for cultural diversity,” noted educationist Wyckliffe Nangabo.
3. Aligning With CBC Pathways
Under the CBC pathways system, learners are expected to choose a specialization in senior secondary school. The current pathways include:
- Arts and Sports Science
- Social Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
While the CBC test and CBC exams focus on assessing practical skills, stakeholders argue that foreign languages should be incorporated into at least one of these pathways, particularly the Social Sciences pathway.
Challenges in Implementing French in CBC
Despite the strong case for adding French, some challenges remain:
- Curriculum Adjustments – The CBC curriculum would need to be revised to include French, and the CBC KNEC portal would have to reflect the changes.
- Teacher Training – More teachers would need to be trained in CBC lesson plans, CBC lesson plan samples, and CBC notes specifically for French.
- Infrastructure & Resources – Schools may require additional resources such as CBC apps and online platforms to support the learning of French.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the CBC curriculum?
The CBC (Competency-Based Curriculum) is Kenya’s current education system that focuses on skill development and practical learning rather than just exams. It replaced the 8-4-4 system to equip students with real-world competencies.
2. How does the CBC system work?
The CBC system follows a 2-6-3-3-3 structure:
- 2 years in pre-primary
- 6 years in primary (Grades 1-6)
- 3 years in junior secondary (Grades 7-9)
- 3 years in senior secondary (Grades 10-12)
- 3 years in university or tertiary education
3. What are CBC subjects?
CBC subjects vary by level but include languages, mathematics, science, social studies, creative arts, religious education, and physical education. Stakeholders are now pushing for French to be added to the list.
4. What is the CBC KNEC portal used for?
The CBC KNEC portal is an online platform where students, teachers, and parents can access curriculum materials, register for CBC exams, and track learner progress.
5. Why do stakeholders want French in CBC?
French is widely spoken in Africa and globally. Stakeholders argue that including it in CBC would expand career opportunities for students, enhance global connections, and align with the CBC core competencies.
6. Is French currently part of the CBC curriculum?
No, French is not officially included in the CBC curriculum, although some schools offer it as an optional foreign language.
7. What is the CBC curriculum design?
The CBC curriculum design focuses on learner-centered education, allowing students to develop competencies in their areas of interest rather than following a rigid system.
8. What are CBC pathways?
CBC pathways are specialization areas at the senior secondary level, divided into:
- Arts and Sports Science
- Social Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
9. How would French be assessed in CBC exams?
If introduced, French would likely be assessed through practical tests, oral exams, and continuous assessments rather than traditional written exams.
10. What’s next for CBC?
The Ministry of Education is still refining the CBC system, and it remains unclear whether foreign languages like French will be included.
What’s Next for CBC?
The Ministry of Education has yet to clarify whether foreign languages like French will be part of future CBC news updates. As CBC exams continue to be refined, it remains to be seen whether a new subject will be officially added.
For now, the push for change continues, and stakeholders hope their voices will be heard.
Do you think French should be part of CBC? Share your thoughts in the comments!
