Critical Success factors to the Implementation of Competency Based Curriculum in Junior Schools in Kiminini Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The change from the 8-4-4 education system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) system has been a significant educational reform in Kenya. Despite the importance of these reforms to national development, implementation of the CBC education system in Junior secondary schools, mainly in the rural parts Kenya has been poor. This study sought to examine critical success factors to implementation of CBC in Junior Schools (JS) in Kiminini Sub-County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the effect of teachers’ related factors, infrastructural facilities, and stakeholder engagement on implementation of CBC in JS in Kiminini Sub-County. This study adopted a pragmatism research approach and an explanatory research design. The target population of this study was head teachers and 2 JS in Kiminini Sub-County. The study used census approach and hence the whole population was included in the study. The study used primary data, which was collected by semi-structured questionnaires. The questionnaires generated qualitative and quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data and the results were presented in narrative form. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were employed in analyzing quantitative data with the assistance of SPSS version 25 statistical software. Descriptive statistics comprised of frequency distribution, percentages, standard deviation and mean. Inferential data analysis was carried out using Pearson correlation coefficient, multivariate linear regression. The study found that teachers’ related factors, infrastructural factors and stakeholder engagement have a positive and significant effect on implementation of CBC in JS. The study recommends that the government of Kenya through the Teachers Service Commission should employ more teachers to ensure JS have adequate and trained teachers for all subjects. The government of Kenya should ensure continued construction of classrooms, laboratories, sanitation facilities and ensure that all the JS have adequate playgrounds and recreational areas.