Scholars have called on the Education Ministry to integrate philosophy as a subject into primary and secondary school curricula so as to cultivate critical thinking and emotional intelligence among young learners.
During a stakeholder forum at Zetech University today, the members of the Philosophical Association of Kenya, alongside distinguished scholars from various universities, said most learners lack critical thinking aspects, which are needed in engaging others, among other issues of governance matters.
They said learning philosophy will foster young emotional resilience, sharpen critical thinking, and help young learners navigate social and emotional complexities.
“Integrating philosophy into the school syllabus would equip students with essential life skills beyond mere academic knowledge. When students engage in philosophical thought, they learn to analyse issues deeply and connect them to their own lives,” said Prof. Oyier Nyaruath from the University of Nairobi’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies.
His sentiments were echoed by Dr. Theopillas Kiondo from the Technical University of Kenya and Dr. Stephen Onyango from Consolata International University, who took issue with institutions of higher learning that have been championing for learners to ditch Religion, Philosophy and History related courses in favour of highly marketable technology and innovation courses.
They observed that this has led to low uptake of these courses among university students, which they said might affect aspects that need critical thinking in the future.
The scholars said studies should not only be aimed at getting jobs but rather at expanding knowledge on critical aspects that face society.
“Most university students are keen to pursue courses that guarantee them jobs in the shortest time. However, this does not mean we phase out other courses. We can make them units in the main courses for the sake of that knowledge,” Dr. Onyango said.
Zetech University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Njenga Munen, reaffirmed that philosophy holds a crucial place in any credible academic institution.
“Any university worth its salt requires philosophical knowledge,” he said.
By Muoki Charles
