Nairobi: Education experts have called on students preparing to join Senior Secondary school Grade 10 next year under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), to select career pathways aligned to their abilities and interests.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a career day event at Zetech University, scholars, mentors, and educationists emphasised the need for parents to refrain from imposing career choices on their children, noting that such pressure often leads to frustration and misplaced talents.
Under the CBC framework, learners in senior secondary school will choose among three key career pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Arts and Sports Science; and Social Sciences, each designed to nurture specific talents and competencies.
The experts, led by Francis Mworia, the Managing Director of Treasure Communications Ltd, feared that many students could end up crowding STEM pathways if not properly guided, overlooking other pathways which they said were equally marketable. They urged parents to work closely with mentors and teachers to help learners make informed decisions that align with their strengths and aspirations.
“Every student must identify their area of interest and seek mentorship to understand how best to grow in it. Whether in science, technology, sports, or creative arts, every pathway has potential and opportunities. What matters is passion, commitment, and mentorship,” said Mworia.
Zetech University Dean of Education, Prof Owen Ngumi, echoed the sentiments, emphasising that all CBC career pathways have space in the job market and should be accorded equal respect. “Learners should be supported to pursue areas that match their strengths. Every pathway is marketable and contributes to national development,” said Prof Ngumi.
He further revealed that the institution has positioned itself to adequately support the CBC rollout by retooling staff and reviewing its education programmes. “We have already revised our education programmes to prepare teachers who can effectively implement CBC. Additionally, we have developed a roadmap to onboard all departments in readiness for the CBC approach. In three years’ time when the CBC learners will be joining universities, we shall be fully prepared for them,” he said.
The Ministry of Education has since directed all universities and colleges to align their curricula and staffing with the new CBC career pathways, a move that many have embraced fully.