In a surprising turn of events, Parliament has intervened to halt the implementation of the comprehensive report on CBC (Competency-Based Curriculum) education reforms, led by Prof. Raphael Munavu and his Presidential Working Party on Education Reform. This move threatens to throw the country’s education sector into disarray once again.
The working party’s report, brimming with far-reaching recommendations poised to transform the education landscape, had already set in motion the implementation of several key suggestions aligned with the CBC.
However, the National Assembly has raised significant concerns regarding the way these recommendations are being put into practice before obtaining approval from the House, either as regulations or substantive legislation.
Emukhaya MP Omboko Milemba, standing on a point of order, argued vehemently that the recommendations put forth by the Prof. Munavu-led team appeared to contradict existing laws and even the constitution itself. Milemba implored the Speaker to rule on why these recommendations were being implemented without prior approval by the House.
“We seek your guidance to ensure that no one attempts to alter our laws or constitution through clandestine means,” Milemba challenged Speaker Moses Wetangula.
This sentiment resonated with several other MPs who joined the chorus, all demanding clarity from the Speaker and advocating for an immediate halt to the implementation of the recommendations. Ainabkoi MP William Chepkonga emphatically stated, “No individual in this country, regardless of their perceived influence, can enact laws.”
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo accused the Education Ministry of attempting to circumvent the law by avoiding parliamentary or judicial scrutiny of their recommendations. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa committed to addressing the issue with Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, especially those recommendations requiring House approval.
Speaker Moses Wetangula, in response, instructed the Majority Leader to issue a statement on the matter within two weeks and implored all parties involved to respect the constitutional role of Parliament.
“Let me reiterate this unequivocally: no one, including cabinet secretaries, possesses the authority to legislate or engage in actions that could be construed as legislative in nature. They lack the capacity to make law,” ruled Speaker Wetangula.
Among the implemented initiatives arising from the Munavu task force recommendations are the relocation of Junior Secondary School from high school to primary school, the adoption of a new grading system, a revamped funding model, and the rationalization of new learning areas.
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