MPs present support bill to incorporate national values in school curriculum

MPs present support bill to incorporate national values in school curriculum

Members of Parliament (MPs), the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Education have backed a Bill aimed at integrating national values into the educational curriculum.

The different stakeholders referred to the Education Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 -sponsored by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, intending to actualize Article 10 of the Constitution as a transformative element that will revolutionize the education sector once implemented.

MPs who are part of the education committee, under the chairmanship of Tinderet MP Julius Melly, noted that the bill will introduce essential reforms to foster a sense of collective identity and accountability among young Kenyans and to develop a future generation that is both value-oriented and economically empowered.

During a meeting, Omondi mentioned that once the bill is passed, it should be compulsory for all civil servants in public service to undergo a six-month training on the same.

Omondi, who advocated for the bill, revealed that the execution of this bill will incur a cost of Sh320 million for taxpayers, based on an evaluation conducted by the Budget Committee.

Omondi elaborated that the Bill’s significant advancements include the formal establishment of a subject area called “nationhood science,” which merges civic education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic duties.

He stated that the bill will significantly contribute to instilling values among Kenyans and students once it is implemented.

He remarked: “Nationhood science signifies our aim to instill what the Constitution’s drafters intended from the foundational levels to tertiary education. “This pertains to Nationhood Science – a subject that touches upon the essence and core of Kenya, which, if executed, will steer Kenya towards greatness. ”

Stated Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, who presided over the session: “I believe that this should even be introduced at the pre-school level. All civil servants and those engaged in public service ought to take a 6-month course. This is crucial because the issues arise during the employment phase after schooling.

Kibra MP Peter Orero, who endorsed the bill, nonetheless inquired about the financial implications should it be executed.

He expressed: “I find the idea commendable. Will there be a formative or summative evaluation for this? What are the financial implications, and will we be retraining and reskilling our educators? ”

Narok Woman representative Rebecca Tonkei described the bill as highly progressive and capable of transforming the education sector.

The Bill aims to modify four essential legislative pieces — the Universities Act, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Act, the Basic Education Act, and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Act — in a move that Caroli asserts will align the education sector with Article 10 of the Constitution.