The government is in the process of aligning laboratory equipment with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) guidelines before Junior Secondary Education (JSS) is rolled out in January.

The School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU) has been tasked to ensure it facilitates the production of standard laboratories, equipment and materials for Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools.

Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Ong’ondo urged SEPU to ensure it meets the demand for quality and relevant laboratory equipment necessitated by the ongoing CBC implementation.

“Let’s us work towards ensuring we have quality and relevant education for all through well-developed guidelines,” said Ong’ondo.

He was represented by Head of Educational Media, Eunice Gachoka during a SEPU workshop held at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to review and align science kits to CBC.

SEPU is expected to develop user guidelines or manuals for effective use by teachers and learners.

The Ministry of Education has inspected and approved several CBC classrooms where CBC pioneer group currently in Grade 6 will join as they transit to junior secondary.

One of the requirements for an institution to be approved to house JSS learners is quality laboratory.

Moi Girls High School Nairobi Chief Principal, Margaret Nyaga, welcomed SEPU’s timely intervention in addressing the teaching of science subjects in the competency education framework.

“CBC is practical. Learners should be introduced to quality learning resources to ensure they are competent enough for the world of work when they leave school,” said Nyaga.