Quick facts on how 8-4-4 will be replaced with 6-6-3

– Education experts are meeting in Nairobi to fine tune a raft of proposals that may see the country’s education system of 8-4-4 changed to 6-6-3 
– Talks towards reforming the education system in Kenya are not new, really
– The current proposals are rooted in a 2012 taskforce report that chaired by former Moi University vice chancellor Douglas Odhiambo 
Here is a summary of just what you need to know:

1. 8-4-4 System

 

The current system of education will be reformed to 6-6-3 eventually where learners will spend six years in primary school before proceeding to secondary school for six more years and then university.
8-4-4 was introduced in Kenya in 1985, and was a shift from the earlier 7-4-2-3 system of education.
Students will complete basic education one year younger once 6-6-3 system is fully adopted.

cxzThe new education system will encourage students to specialise in the areas that they are good at early enough, and then take on career paths that are related to that at the higher education level.

8-4-4 curriculum has been touted as too expansive, burdensome and also expensive.
This means 6-6-3 will have lesser subjects but will delve deeper into the areas that students are interested in.

Examinations

To dissuade students from rote learning that has steeped the 8-4-4 where the key is to pass exams, the new system will focus on holistic learning that appreciates more than just books. Learners will be encouraged and tested on other domains as sports, drama and extra-curriculum activities in a bid to make them more all-rounded.

“The examinations will provide feedback to build on the strength and address the gaps identified in the teaching and learning process and not to pigeonhole learners into achievers or failures,” Jwan Otieno, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development chief told TUKO.co.ke 
“Every child has value. Every child has talent,”  Otieno said, noting that it is this value, this talent, that the curriculum should identify and nurture throughout the child’s basic education experience.

6-6-3 Bill

Taita Taveta Women Representative Joyce Lay has already introduced a Bill in Parliament that seeks to effect the changes to the 8-4-4 education system.
The Bill will restructure the education system to align it to the current global trends and best practices in order to make it competitive globally.