As an HR professional, the first thing that usually comes to mind is how to make HR effective. HR should always contribute positively to the organizational bottom line. Today I will speak about the HR challenges facing the implementation of CBC.

CBC was introduced and designed to replace the old 8-4-4 system. 8-4-4 system was seen to be too much exam-focused. It was seen not capable of preparing learners for real-life challenges. But the challenges that 8-4-4 experienced are now glaring at CBC.

The major challenge was and still is, the HR question. The implementers of 8-4-4 were teachers. They were trained under the old system 7-4-2-3. These teachers had not yet been adequately prepared for 8-4-4. This still persist under CBC.

HR Challenges in Implementing CBC in Kenya.

1. Teacher Shortages

• CBC needs more teachers, especially in specialized subjects like ICT, agriculture, performing arts, technical skills.

• The government has attempted to recruit many teachers under Junior Secondary (JSS). However, the demand is still higher than supply.

• Teachers also need to guide smaller groups due to  more practical work involved. This means more manpower is needed.
• For example it is extremely stressful for a single teacher to manage 70 learners doing group projects.

2. Inadequate training for capacity building

• Many teachers were originally trained under 8-4-4 blamed for being exam-based and not for competency-based learning which is skills-based.

• This  transition requires retraining on how to assess projects, how to foster competencies, and how to do continuous assessment.

• The current short crash courses are not enough for deep mindset change from instructors to facilitators not just

3. High workload and burnout

• CBC demands more continuous assessments, portfolio building, individual learner support, and extra record-keeping.

• Many teachers report burnout because the workload is much heavier without proportional increase in resources or salaries.
• Teachers were used to marking a few exam papers. In CBC a teacher has to assess 10 different competencies per learner, several times per term. This is stressful.

4. Mismatch of teacher specializations

• Some teachers were trained in traditional academic subjects e.g., Physics or History.

• CBC introduced new subjects like pre-technical studies, robotics, performing arts e.t.c. These areas need more qualified teachers.

• The current situation has created confusion and anxiety for both teachers and management.
• For example a history teacher has been assigned to teach entrepreneurship or home science without proper training!

5. Resource constraints

• CBC is hands-on. it requires labs, materials, workshops, ICT devices, sports equipment, etc.

• Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack basic infrastructure like science labs, internet, or even enough desks.

• Teachers and heads are frustrated because they are blamed for poor implementation without being given tools.

6. Resistance to change

• Change management is a huge HR challenge.

• Some teachers, and even parents, still favor the old methods of teaching and learning like memorization for exams.

• Without strong motivation and support, some staff become passive resisters. They implement CBC half-heartedly.

7. Inconsistent policy support

• CBC is supposed to be supported by clear policies on curriculum designs, assessment guidelines, and promotion rules.

• Sometimes policies keep changing or are not clear, leaving HR managers, heads, and teachers confused about what is expected.

For CBC in Kenya to realize it’s amazing potential, there is need for serious HR planning in:

• Recruitment of more teachers

• Deep, continuous retraining

• Better and adequate facilities

• Management of workloads

• Clear communication and motivation strategies.

#Let’s meet next as I discuss HR solutions for this challenges.