Last KCPE: Ministers Who Shaped Kenya’s 8-4-4 Education Curriculum and Their Top Achievements.
The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) has concluded, marking a significant step in Kenya’s transition to a new education curriculum.
In eight years from now, 2023 KCPE candidates will gradually phase out the 8-4-4 education system after completing their higher education studies.
The pioneers of the 2-6-3-3-3 Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which encompasses pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, senior secondary, and higher education, have paved the way.
As the Ministry of Education guides the CBC’s implementation, the nation is still grappling with the details of the new system.
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When reflecting on the gradual phase-out of the old curriculum, we can take a look at the Education Ministers who oversaw the 8-4-4 system:
- Peter Oloo Aringo (1986-1989, 1994, 2001): Aringo introduced the 8-4-4 curriculum and played a role in making some universities public institutions and establishing technical institutes.
- Kalonzo Musyoka (1998-2001): Musyoka initiated a review of the 8-4-4 system to address its strengths and weaknesses, aiming to enhance primary and secondary education.
- Henry Kosgey (2001-2002): Kosgey faced demands for teacher salary increments during his tenure.
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- George Saitoti (2003-2007): Saitoti implemented the Free Primary Education (FPE) program, boosting primary education enrollment and literacy levels.
- Prof. Sam Ongeri (2008-2012): Ongeri oversaw education during a challenging period with school strikes, violence, and the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
- Hon. Mutula Kilonzo (2012-2013): Kilonzo advocated for school girls’ right to wear miniskirts and introduced the Basic Education Act and KNEC Bill.
- Hon. Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi (2013-2015): Kaimenyi implemented reforms in higher education and faced opposition when he banned ranking of schools in national exams.
- Hon. Fred Matiang’i (2016-2018): Matiang’i cracked down on exam irregularities, restructured the school calendar, and made various reforms.
- Amb. Amina Mohamed (2018-2019): Mohamed postponed the rollout of the CBC curriculum and introduced changes to school schedules and discipline.
- Prof. George Magoha (2019-2022): Magoha was known for upholding high standards, implementing CBC, and managing the education sector during the pandemic.
- Hon. Ezekiel Machogu (2022-present): Machogu introduced a new grading system for KCSE candidates and oversaw the last KCPE in the country.
These ministers each left their mark on Kenya’s education system as it evolved over the years.
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Last KCPE: Ministers Who Shaped Kenya’s 8-4-4 Education Curriculum
