Curriculum overload in Basic Education

1. Breaking Point: Unraveling the Curriculum Overload in Kenya’s CBC System
By
Dr. Adan Saman Sheikh
About four decades ago, Kenya implemented a new system of education that came
to be known as the 8:4:4. The outcry by stakeholders about the 8:4;4 mainly centred
on the twin issues of too many subjects and content and the cost of education,
among others. The MoE spent the next three decades cutting down on the number
of subjects and shifting content within and across the subjects to reduce it to a
manageable level. At Secondary education level, the number of subjects reduced
from 14 to seven. Of course, the content in many of the learning areas reduced by as
much as a third.
Fast forward to 2017, almost three and a half decades later, a new system heretofore,
known as the CBC system was unveiled by the Uhuru Kenyatta government. The CBC
too just like the 844 at its initial debut, has 14 subjects at the junior secondary, level.
To make it clear, the CBC junior secondary learners are 11- and 12-year-olds who
have transited from grade six, unlike the 8:4:4 secondary learners, who had a full
eight years of education before joining Form one. In addition to the fourteen
subjects, the system comes with a new form of assessment, where teachers and
students spend more than 20 percent of learning time engaged in formative
assessment, accounting for 60 percent of their end of primary education examination
and even more time in extra – curricular activities.
Impact of the overload on the learners.
Constantly juggling multiple subjects, exams, and deadlines leads to high levels of
stress, anxiety, and burnout. The pressure to perform well in every aspect of their
education often leaves students feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope.Cases of
mental problems and indiscipline in our schools is a testament to the wide

2. curriculum. Bombarding learners with an excessive amount of information, leaves
little time to deeply engage with the subject matter, critically analyze concepts, or
develop a genuine passion for learning. This can often result in a shallow
understanding of the material and a lack of long-term retention.Last but not least
students have limited opportunities to explore their interests and pursue creative
endeavors. The pressure to adhere strictly to a fixed syllabus can stifle curiosity and
hinder the development of crucial skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking,
and innovation
Way forward
To address the dangers of the overloaded curriculum which will eventually be
realized when the current junior secondary students transit to universities, seven
years from now, the MoE as a matter of urgency should:
1. Streamlining the Curriculum to focuses on core subjects and essential skills. By
trimming excessive content and concentrating on fundamental concepts, a
more in-depth and meaningful learning experience. This approach will allow
students to develop a strong foundation while also having time for
extracurricular activities and exploration.
2. Integrate critical skills such as life skills and computer studies to combat the
surface-level learning caused by curriculum overload, there should be a
greater emphasis on developing critical skills such as problem-solving, critical
thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Prioritize Essential Concepts: Identify
the core concepts and skills that students must grasp, ensuring depth rather
than breadth of knowledge.
3. Flexible Curriculum Design: Create a curriculum framework that allows for
customization and flexibility, enabling students to pursue their interests while
maintaining a strong foundation.

3. 4. Integration of Cross-Disciplinary Themes: Incorporate interdisciplinary projects
that connect various subjects, promoting holistic learning and application of
knowledge.
5. Focus on Skills, not just Content: Shift the emphasis from content mastery
alone to the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration,
and communication skills.
Curriculum overload poses a significant challenge to the learners, jeopardizing the
well-being and holistic development. It is imperative that MoE takes proactive
measures to streamline the curriculum, prioritize flexibility and personalization, and
integrate critical skills.. It is time to alleviate the burden on students' shoulders and
empower them to become lifelong learners with a genuine love for knowledge.
The Curse of Curriculum Overload: Nurturing a Balanced Education
In today's fast-paced world, education plays a vital role in preparing individuals for
success. However, a growing concern among educators, parents, and students alike is
the issue of curriculum overload. This phenomenon refers to the overwhelming
burden placed on learners due to an excessively packed curriculum. While the
intention behind a comprehensive education is commendable, the negative
consequences of overload must be acknowledged. This article delves into the
detrimental effects of curriculum overload and emphasizes the need for a balanced
approach to education that fosters holistic development.
The Pressure Cooker of Education:
The desire to cover an extensive array of subjects and skills often results in an
overcrowded curriculum, leaving students with limited time for deep learning and
personal exploration. The relentless pursuit of academic achievements has
transformed schools into pressure cookers, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout

4. among students. A vicious cycle emerges, wherein students face mounting
expectations, engage in rote memorization, and forfeit a true understanding of the
material.
Shallow Learning vs. Deep Understanding:
Curriculum overload inadvertently promotes shallow learning rather than deep
understanding. When educators focus on a quantity-driven approach, students are
encouraged to memorize facts, regurgitate information, and engage in superficial
learning. This limits their ability to think critically, analyze problems, and develop a
genuine passion for learning. By reducing the emphasis on content coverage and
allowing for more in-depth exploration, students can develop a profound
understanding of core concepts and cultivate essential skills like critical thinking,
problem-solving, and creativity.
Lost Opportunities for Holistic Development:
An overloaded curriculum often sidelines other crucial aspects of education, such as
physical education, arts, social-emotional learning, and community engagement.
These elements are essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of
adapting to an ever-changing world. Neglecting these domains not only deprives
students of valuable experiences but also hampers their emotional intelligence,
creativity, and interpersonal skills. Education should strive to provide a holistic
approach that caters to the diverse needs and interests of students, fostering their
overall growth and development.
Strategies for Balancing Education:
Addressing curriculum overload requires a multifaceted approach involving various
stakeholders. Here are some strategies to foster a balanced education system:

5. 1. Encourage Project-Based Learning: Implement project-based learning
methodologies that engage students in authentic, real-world tasks, fostering a
deep understanding of concepts while promoting creativity and teamwork.
2. Regular Assessment Reform: Move away from rigid, high-stakes assessments
and embrace innovative assessment methods that capture a student's overall
progress, including their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving
abilities.
3. Teacher Professional Development: Provide ongoing professional
development opportunities for teachers to refine their instructional practices
and adapt to the changing educational landscape.
Curriculum overload undermines the very essence of education, stifling the
intellectual, emotional, and social growth of students. To overcome this challenge, it
is crucial to shift our focus from content quantity to quality learning experiences. By
adopting a balanced approach that prioritizes deep understanding, promotes holistic
development, and empowers students with essential skills, we can create an
education system that truly prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century. It is
high time we reevaluate our curriculum and prioritize the long-term well-being and
development of our learners.
Breaking Point: Unraveling the Curriculum Overload in Kenya's CBC System
Almost four decades ago, Kenya introduced a new educational system known as 8:4:4. However,
the system faced criticism from stakeholders due to several issues, including an overwhelming
number of subjects and content, as well as the high cost of education. In response, the Ministry
of Education embarked on a mission to reduce the number of subjects and streamline content
over the course of three decades. For instance, at the secondary education level, the number of
subjects decreased from 14 to seven, with significant reductions in content across various
learning areas.
Fast forward to 2017, and a new system called the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was
introduced by the government under President Uhuru Kenyatta. Similar to the initial launch of the
8:4:4 system, the CBC system also comprises 14 subjects at the junior secondary level. It's

6. important to note that CBC junior secondary learners are 11- and 12-year-olds who transitioned
from grade six, unlike the 8:4:4 secondary learners who had a full eight years of education before
entering Form One. In addition to the fourteen subjects, the CBC system introduced a new form
of assessment, emphasizing formative assessment, which accounts for 60 percent of the end-of-
primary education examination. This increased emphasis on assessment, along with additional
time spent on extracurricular activities, has added to the overall burden on students.
The impact of curriculum overload on learners is significant. Constantly juggling multiple
subjects, exams, and deadlines leads to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. The
pressure to excel in all aspects of education often leaves students feeling overwhelmed and
unable to cope. The prevalence of mental health issues and disciplinary problems in schools is a
testament to the overwhelming curriculum. Bombarding learners with excessive information
leaves little time for deep engagement, critical analysis, and the development of a genuine
passion for learning. Consequently, students may only acquire a superficial understanding of the
material, leading to a lack of long-term retention. Moreover, the constrained curriculum limits
opportunities for students to explore their interests and pursue creative endeavors. The rigid
adherence to a fixed syllabus stifles curiosity and hinders the development of crucial skills such as
problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation.
To address the dangers posed by curriculum overload, which will eventually affect the current
junior secondary students as they transition to universities in seven years, the Ministry of
Education (MoE) must take urgent action. Several key steps should be considered:
1. Streamlining the Curriculum: The focus should shift towards core subjects and essential
skills. By trimming excessive content and concentrating on fundamental concepts, a more
in-depth and meaningful learning experience can be achieved. This approach will enable
students to develop a strong foundation while also allowing time for extracurricular
activities and exploration.
2. Integration of Critical Skills: To combat surface-level learning resulting from curriculum
overload, there should be a greater emphasis on developing critical skills such as
problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. By incorporating life skills
and computer studies, students can acquire the necessary skills for the modern world.
3. Flexible Curriculum Design: A curriculum framework should be created that allows for
customization and flexibility. This would enable students to pursue their interests while
maintaining a solid foundation in essential subjects. Personalization in education can lead
to increased engagement and motivation.
4. Integration of Cross-Disciplinary Themes: Incorporating interdisciplinary projects that
connect various subjects can promote holistic learning and the application of knowledge.
This approach fosters a deeper understanding of concepts and encourages students to
make connections across different disciplines.
5. Focus on Skills, not just Content: Shifting the emphasis from content mastery alone to the
development of critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication
skills is crucial. By nurturing these skills, students will be better prepared for the
challenges of the future.
Curriculum overload poses a significant challenge to learners, jeopardizing their well-being and
holistic development. It is imperative that the Ministry of Education takes proactive measures to
streamline the curriculum, prioritize flexibility and personalization, and integrate critical skills. It is
time to alleviate the burden on students' shoulders and empower them to become lifelong

7. learners with a genuine love for knowledge. By implementing these necessary changes, Kenya
can create an educational system that supports the holistic development of its students and
prepares them for success in a rapidly changing world.