The Ministry of Education has confirmed that plans have kicked off for the retooling of teachers in preparation for the transition to a refined and practical model of competency-based education (CBE).
Speaking during the Pioneer Group of schools’ prize-giving day in Maragua, the Head of Directorate, Field Coordination and Co-Curricular Services, Nelson Sifuna, noted that efforts to make the transition smooth were in top gear with a planned school heads conference in Mombasa on Monday.
He also reiterated the ministry’s commitment towards collaborating with the private sector so as to improve and harness the levels of education in the country through CBE.
“The curriculum-based education will allow our children to develop their talents and I want to also commend the pioneers of private institutions for their contribution and dedication in making the CBE a reality in schools,” Sifuna said.
He noted that the government will continue supporting and collaborating with the private institutions in the provision of quality education for all children who have attained school-going age.
“Like the magnificent show of aviation we have just witnessed here, we have seen the pilots here yet they have no airport; we have seen maritime engineers here yet they have no ocean,” he said, noting that “Our schools should, therefore, have no hindrance as to why CBE cannot be actualised because education is about shaping responsible citizens who will contribute to the society positively regardless of their grades in their final exams.”
Notably, the institution has already produced 300 commercial pilots, which the PS State Department for basic education, Prof Julius K. Bitok, in his speech, noted was a rare feat for any learning institution in the country.
“I am amazed that Pioneer school has produced over 300 commercial pilots and that is a national achievement, as this aligns with programmes that have global industry demands,” read part of the speech which was delivered by Sifuna.
The County Director of Education, Ann Kiilu, lauded the school’s administrators for embracing CBE long before its introduction and integration into Kenya’s education system.
“This is one of our top schools in the county, both in academics and in the co-curricular and extra activities like chess, golf, and rugby, among others,” she said.
She urged schools to continue instilling values of hard work and integrity in students so as to produce responsible citizens who will make a difference in the world.
Pioneer school known for its pioneering spirit in aviation and maritime engineering education, has now integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its curriculum, fully embracing the competency-based education framework.
The school’s proprietor and chairman, Dr Peter Munga, noted that the institution’s formatters are committed to producing an all-round child in both academics and extracurricular activities.
“The aviation spectacle you just witnessed is a testament that we have already embraced competency-based education. The over 300 commercial pilots we have trained here are all over the world flying various aircraft.
This is a testament that the private institutions can indeed add value to the education sector by propelling the students to cutting-edge opportunities in aviation and maritime engineering and positioning them to opportunities here and even globally.”
He urged the government to consider including the institution in the list of school selections since the school had demonstrated capability to provide the three pathways in education as required by the ministry of education.
The school has positioned itself as a trailblazer in preparing students for future careers in cutting-edge industries.
The ceremony also recognised the top-performing students in academics, innovation, sports and leadership, underlining the school’s holistic approach to education, with awards going to KCSE 2024 top performers, leading KPSEA 2025 performers and the outstanding continuing students in various disciplines and extracurricular categories.
By Florence Kinyua and Purity Mugo
