As Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) takes root with the formation of a taskforce by President William Ruto to review the new curriculum, the universities have convened to discuss how better they will handle CBC programmes to equip the graduating teacher with the relevant skills.

Prof. Geoffrey Muluvi of SEKU university (Centre) Prof. Daniel Mugendi of Embu university and Prof.Jacinta Kwena of Pwani University addressing press at the University of Embu. MWINGI TIMES/Brian Musyoka
 

The universities are gearing up to reform their education curriculum in order to accommodate students who will be joining the institutions since the first cohort of the new curriculum students will be joining secondary schools next year.

Vice Chancellor of South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) Prof Geoffrey Muluvi while giving the keynote address at the 3rd Education Deans Consultative Forum held at the University of Embu said the universities should move with speed to provide students taking teaching course with CBC skills since the graduates should be CBC-compliant.

He urged the deans to harmonize the content they deliver to their students so that eventually there will be uniformity in the delivery of CBC.

"Here the discussion was based on how universities should start providing for CBC right now under the 8-4-4 system for the teacher education program because the graduates graduating now should be CBC compliance so that when they go to teach in secondary schools, CBC curriculum, they are not lost," Prof. Muluvi said.

The vice chancellor urged universities to take advantage of the new taskforce which was established by the president since they have an opportunity to present the issues which the institutions have been grappling with concerning the implementation of the new curriculum.

"It's time now for universities to come up with concrete recommendations on the areas they like improved or strengthened in the new educational dispensation," said the VC.

He also noted there was need to engage parents fully on matters of education for their children in the universities because of the changing social dynamics.

Prof. Muluvi said with the new unlimited freedom in the universities many students misuse it and end up losing the focus on the way.

"Universities assume these youngsters are adults who can manage themselves while in fact many are struggling to make the necessary social adjustments", he said.

Prof Muluvi, who is also the chair of the Vice Chancellors' committee called for a review of the university funding model for universities saying many were struggling with operations.

Professor Jacinta Kwena, Dean School of Education in Pwani University said implementation of CBC has had some challenges and that is why Deans from different Universities decided to come together in 2019 to have a combined effort to see how they could tackle some issues.

"It is very imperative for us as universities to ensure the teacher that we are channelling out is able to meet the challenges and need of the child," said Prof. Kwena noting that it is important for universities to restructure their programmes to meet requirements of the CBC.

University of Embu Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi expressed optimism that with the engagement by the Deans in different Universities and the formation of CBC taskforce by the president the curriculum is going to work.

''I urge the Deans to examine the issue of CBC critically so that they make constructive presentations to the task force,'' Prof Mugendi urged. 

STORY By BRIAN MUSYOKA

 AS drought bites the expansive Kitui County, prices of livestock have fallen. In turn, food prices have risen sharply.

 

The only animal that seems to “survive” drought is goat. MWINGI TIMES visited Tseikuru livestock market on Thursday. Goat prices have relatively remained stable. A medium sized goat costs KSh5000 which is not badly off. But a cow that was retailing at KSh30,000 before drought period now costs between KSh15,000 and KSh10,000.

Sheep prices have also fallen from KSh5000 to KSh3000. A donkey that was costing KSh8000 now retails at KSh3000.

More than 4.2 million Kenyans are facing high levels of food insecurity. Kitui county has not received adequate rains for the last five consecutive seasons.

It is estimated that about 300,000 people in the Governor Malombe-led County will need relief food by December 2022.

On Wednesday, MWINGI TIMES toured Kitui South to get a glimpse of the ravaging drought. Residents narrated how the emaciated donkeys they use to fetch water can no longer carry the precious commodity because they lack strength to withstand carrying jerricans. They walk long distances to fetch water too.

STORY By MUSYOKA NGUI

Sources who spoke to MWINGI TIMES said that the school has been suffering from mismanagement. This was indicated on the drop in academic performance of students.

“Secondary School library was closed in the times of Corona. It acted as an isolation room and up to date the school has no Library”, said our source who requested not to be named.

There is growing disquiet that parents, students and staff want the principal transferred from the school.

Stakeholders have also raised issues with the school’s teaching methodologies. We understand that the school did not sit for Term Opener exam as well as Mid-term.

STORY By JAMES MUKITI

Migwani Boys’ Secondary School on strike once again less than a week after parents took students back to the learning institution. MWINGI TIMES/File

Kitui County is expected to experience generally dry and partly cloudy conditions breaking into sunny intervals with a chance of light rains not exceeding 5mm over high ground areas from October 4 to 10. This is according to the weatherman. 

“Kitui County is likely to experience sunny and dry conditions during the month of October. Occasional rainfall, however, is likely to occur towards the end of the month, but the expected total rainfall amounts are likely to be below the long-term average amounts of October.”, says Kitui County Director of Meteorology Daniel Mbithi.

Most parts of Mwingi North, Kitui East and Kitui South will have up to a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius.  Kitui Central sub county will have a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperatures during the forecast period will range from 15-22 degrees Celsius.

Mr Mbithi advises farmers to consult with the County Ministry of Agriculture officers for appropriate agricultural advisories. The officers will give best farming practices in the light of this forecast.

Nationally, most counties are likely to receive below average rains. This includes Kitui and all the other Ukambani counties.  Others in this category are the Northern and Coastal regions.

Near average rainfall has been forecast to be experienced in Western, Central and parts of Rift Valley counties.

STORY By JOHN MUSEMBI

The fast trending Extraordinary song by Wilberforce Musyoka has hit nearly 90,000 views within three days of release.

The Ukambani gospel musician with huge following on YouTube has assembled a dazzling production complete with attractive themes and colours to go with the message.

Viewers express having been blessed for watching what they have christened “Ngai wa Extraordinary”.

Eric Mutinda says, “This song is a true definition of my success story. Truly there is God in heaven who answers prayers”.

Serah Njuhi concurs: Powerful, timely and amazing… More Grace upon you and the Ministry at large. Thank you for the translation.

Viewers regard the song to be a masterpiece.

STORY By MUSYOKA NGUI