An Examination of the Challenges Affecting the Implementation Of Competency-Based Curriculum in Public Primary Schools in Imenti North, Meru County-Kenya

Purpose: To examine the challenges affecting the implementation of competency-based curriculum in public primary schools in Imenti North, Meru County-Kenya. Methodology:The study adopted a descriptive research design and was conducted in 208 primary schools in Imenti North sub-county, involving 208 head teachers and 1,745 teachers. A simple random sampling method was used to select 30% of the target population, yielding 62 head teachers and 524 teachers. Pre-testing was carried out in 21 schools in Imenti South sub-county with 6 head teachers (purposively selected) and 52 teachers (randomly selected). Data were collected using self-structured questionnaires. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while validity was ensured through face, content, and criterion measures.. Results: The results showed that 29(62%) and 16(34%) principals strongly disagreed and disagreed that there was a committee that was established in their schools to internally monitor and evaluate CBC programs whereabouts. Additionally, there was a negative opinion on the reception of CBC by various stakeholders such as parents and teachers. Nine 9(19%) strongly disagreed, 17(36%) disagreed and 21(45%) were neutral. This shows that the idea of change from 8.4.4 system was not yet fully internalized the idea that CBC was the new norm. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The school management should initiate programs such as walks for purposes of lobbying for funds from well-wishers. The ministry of education should set up public address rallies in various schools to give out information on what exactly is CBC and how it works. This would demystify any misconceptions on the education systems to teachers and parents. The ministry of education should set up policies that guide on how delivery of CBC by teachers would be measured. This would enable teachers understand what is supposed to be achieved and how it would be measured.