MPs offer support bill to embed national values in school curriculum
Members of Parliament (MPs), the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Education have expressed their support for a Bill aimed at integrating national values into the school curriculum.
The various stakeholders have referred to the Education Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 – sponsored by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi – which seeks to actualize Article 10 of the Constitution as a transformative measure that will revolutionize the education sector upon its implementation.
MPs serving on the education committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, stated that the bill will introduce essential reforms to foster a sense of shared identity and responsibility among young Kenyans and to cultivate a future generation that is both values-oriented and economically empowered.
During a meeting, Omondi articulated that once the bill is enacted, it should be mandatory for all civil servants in the public service to undergo a six-month course on the same.
Omondi, who advocated for the bill, revealed that its implementation will incur expenses of Sh320 million to taxpayers, based on an analysis conducted by the Budget Committee.
Omondi clarified that the Bill’s principal innovations include the formal introduction of a subject area referred to as “nationhood science,” which encompasses civic education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibilities.
He asserted that the bill will significantly contribute to instilling values among Kenyans and learners once it is implemented.
He stated: “Nationhood science signifies our intention to inculcate what the framers of the Constitution envisioned from lower educational levels to tertiary levels. This pertains to Nationhood Science – the subject that embodies the essence and spirit of Kenya, and which, if enacted, will guide Kenya toward achieving greatness. ”
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, who served as the sessional chair, remarked: “I believe this should indeed be introduced even at the early education level. All civil servants and individuals in public service should undertake a six-month course. This is essential as the challenges arise at the point of employment following schooling. ”
Kibra MP Peter Orero, who endorsed the bill, however, inquired about the financial implications should it be enacted.
He remarked: “I consider the concept to be very commendable. Will there be a formative and/or summative assessment for this? What are the financial implications, and will there be provisions to retrain and reskill our educators? ”
Narok Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei described the bill as highly progressive and one that will transform the education sector.
The Bill aims to amend four pivotal pieces of legislation — 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.
