Parents have been urged to play a leading role in guiding learners to develop an interest in science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
This is according to a section of education stakeholders who observed that the move would play a crucial role in the determination of career pathways even as the country was preparing to usher in the first batch of senior secondary students in 2026.
Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) Programme Coordinator Beatrice Macharia encouraged parents to support teachers in identifying abilities, competencies, and interests of their children when they are at the discovery age.
Macharia, who was speaking at Moi Kabartonjo Junior Secondary School (JSS) in Baringo North Sub County during a STEM mentorship and outreach programme, stated that it was from their early life that parents were able to notice certain interests and personalities of these learners, which could lead to their career destiny.
“Parents should see the positive in what their children are doing at home, such as when they tamper with our radios or when they come up with model aeroplanes,” said Macharia.
The coordinator led a team of trainers to visit selected schools in Baringo during the five-day outreach mentorship for Junior Secondary students and their teachers using hands-on activities geared towards enhancing skills and practical knowledge in STEM fields.
She exuded confidence that with experience, the teachers would be motivated to come up with engaging activities that would help learners feel comfortable with what they studied and to anticipate what is ahead of them as they join senior secondary school.
The lead trainer from CEMASTEA, David Kireru, called on teachers to use locally available materials when they are engaging the CBC learners.
Kireru also urged parents to discuss and agree with class teachers on the best pathways for their children to avoid an instance where they choose courses they dislike.
Head teachers whose institutions benefitted from the pilot programme praised the methodology of teaching learners using pedagogies, which they said would discourage the chalk-and-board approach, which at times could burden the learners.
Moi Kabartonjo, JSS Principal Haron Sabulkong, noted that the sessions have changed their perception of STEM subjects.
The Head Teacher for Marigat Comprehensive Junior School, Geoffrey Chepkuto, said that he was optimistic that with such training, the institution could achieve a 60 per cent transition of learners to the STEM pathway in senior schools.
A section of learners who spoke to KNA after their class sessions with the CEMASTEA team said they have interacted, for the first time, with laboratory equipment, computers, and innovative activities, which makes them develop an interest in STEM subjects.
A grade nine student at Moi Kabartonjo Junior School, Morgan Simiyu, said that the session has opened his mind after undergoing a practical lesson on computer technology, which he often read about in books.
Another student from the same school, Zeitun Rashid, said she would take science and mathematics subjects when she joins senior secondary to solidify her dream of becoming a medical doctor.
Their teacher, Nicholas Kiror, said that the programme has challenged them to pull up their socks, and they were encouraging the learners to learn by doing and not by listening the way it used to be.
Kiror stated that with CBC, learners should be allowed to often interact with materials and resources so that they could learn day by day.
The outreach programme also reached Kaprogonya, Kamelilo, and Mogotio Junior Secondary Schools within Baringo County.
By Benson Kelio and Joshua Kibet
