Factors Affecting the Implementation of Competency Based Curriculum Strategy in Public Primary Schools in Uasin-gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

The implementation of the Competence - Based Curriculum (CBC) strategy aims at ensuring that teaching and learning is more interactive and effective by incorporating new technologies within the curriculum. Studies on the successful implementation of the CBC strategy have taken into account a variety of factors that are most likely to determine its implementation. The main objective of this study was to identify the factors affecting the implementation of the Competency - Based Curriculum strategy in public primary schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. This study employed a descriptive cross - sectional research design to enable the researcher address the research question. From a target population of 540 public primary schools, 229 public primary schools were sampled. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data and the data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicated by putting in place the implementation policy of the CBC strategy, availability of teaching materials, trained and skilled teachers on CBC, teacher participation in CBC strategy formulation and implementation, the relationship between teachers and the attitude of parents towards implementation of CBC strategy were critical factors. The study concludes that, the government should have a clear and uniformly structured policy on the implementation of the CBC strategy, provide the necessary political goodwill, continuously monitor the implementation of the CBC as per the targets and the involvement of all key stakeholders in the implementation of CBC strategy. The study further recommends that the government with donor partners should avail resources to ensure instructional materials and teacher training is undertaken to smoothen the implementation of the CBC strategy.