From 29th February to 2nd March, Karatina University academic staff underwent training in Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). This was in readiness for the implementation of the new curriculum at the University which is scheduled to start in the year 2029 when the first cohort of CBC high school graduates is expected to join university. The training was held at RCH 18 hall. In attendance were the Vice Chancellor Prof. Linus M. Gitonga, the Ag. DVC P,F&A, Prof. Richard Kiai, Ag. DVC AR&SA Prof. Hellen W. Kamiri, Registrar AA, Deans of Schools and lecturers from all departments in the University.
The training was opened by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Linus M. Gitonga. He urged members of staff to be keen during the training. He noted that the aim of the training was to help the staff and the University at large to re-examine their pedagogical approaches and ensure that they are CBC compliant. There was need for the academic staff to update themselves on the new trends in education that have been occasioned by the implementation of the new curriculum. The VC further said that the training was part of the University’s staff capacity building mandate. It was also a requirement by the Commission for University Education (CUE) that in future one will be required to show evidence of CBC compliance for one to be allowed to teach at university. Universities must also show evidence of staff training and preparation for the new curriculum.
(From left) the Ag. DVC ARSA Prof. Hellen Kamiri, The Vice Chancellor Prof. Linus M. Gitonga and the Ag. DVC P,F&A Prof Richard Kiai following the training proceedings.
The VC further advised the dons to make the best of the training which would enable them adopt to the new changes if they were to remain relevant. This was one in many more series of training that the University will be organizing from time to time and he therefore called upon the dons to turn up whenever required to do so. In addition, the VC promised that the University will sponsor at least five lecturers to train further on CBC so that they could become CBC champions and even train others.
The training was conducted by Prof. Fredrick Ngala, an Education specialist who is also the Dean, School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences at Kabarak University, Nakuru.
In his introductory remarks, Prof Ngala explained that the Commission for University Education (CUE) is in the process of conducting a survey to ensure that all the universities in Kenya have a curriculum that aligns with the Vision 2030, the country’s Big Four agenda and the National values. He therefore encouraged the lecturers to update themselves from time to time on CBC through training such as the current one.
Members of academic staff during training on CBC
Prof. Ngala first took the lecturers through the various components of the current Knowledge Based Curriculum (KBC) of the 8-4-4 system of education so that they could later appreciate the differences between the old and the new curricular. He later took them through the various aspects of CBC.
The trainer used various approaches that included lectures and practical tasks that made the training quite stimulating. At the end of the training, the lecturers were satisfied that the session was worth their time as it was quite informative and an eye opener on the new curriculum.
Front row from left, the Dean SESS Prof. Lucy Ndegwa, Ag. DVC ARSA Prof. Hellen Kamiri, the guest speaker Prof. Fredrick Ngala , Registrar ARSA Dr. Wangari Gathuhi and the academic staff members pose for a group photo after the official closing of the training.