If you’re a parent in Kenya today, you’ve probably had this moment:
Your child comes home excited (or sometimes anxious) and says, “Mum, Dad, we’ve been told to make a model of the solar system… due tomorrow!”
Now suddenly, you’re standing in the middle of a supermarket at 8 p.m. hunting for manila paper, glue, string, and balloons — while wondering, “Is this school project mine or theirs?”
Welcome to the world of CBC parenting.
Why Parents Feel the Heat
The Competency-Based Curriculum was introduced with good intentions — to make learning more practical and skill-based. Instead of children only memorizing facts, they are encouraged to “do and experience.” In theory, it’s fantastic.
But on the ground, it has left many parents scratching their heads (and stretching their wallets).
- Hidden Costs – The number of times you’ve had to buy glue sticks, colored pencils, or printing paper this term alone could buy a small goat.
- Time Pressure – Between office deadlines, traffic, and home chores, where are parents supposed to find two extra hours for papier-mâché projects?
- Role Confusion – Sometimes it feels like we’re the ones enrolled in school, not our kids.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
How Do We Survive CBC Without Losing Our Sanity?
Here are a few lessons Kenyan parents are slowly learning (often the hard way):
1. Plan Ahead
The moment assignments are given, write down what’s needed. Buy in bulk where possible. Trust me, having extra manila paper and masking tape at home can save you from those last-minute supermarket marathons.
2. Teamwork Saves Money (and Stress)
Why not team up with other parents? Create a small WhatsApp group where you can share tips or split costs. Instead of each parent buying a whole packet of straws, one can buy and share with three others. CBC was meant to build collaboration — let’s embrace that too.
3. Let the Kids Do the Work
Yes, their “volcano” may look more like a mountain of ugali, but that’s okay! The whole point is for them to learn by doing. Guide them, but resist the temptation to take over. Otherwise, we’re the ones earning grades instead of them. Learn more on teaching responsibility and independence HERE.
4. Focus on Skills, Not Perfection
Your child doesn’t need to submit a project that looks like it belongs in an exhibition. What matters is the process — creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Learn more on how you can nurture these skills HERE.
The Bigger Picture
CBC is here to stay (at least for now). Complaining won’t change that, but adapting how we approach it can make a huge difference. Instead of seeing it as a burden, maybe we can shift our mindset: these are chances to bond with our kids, to teach them resilience, and to sneak in a little fun along the way.
Will it be perfect? No.
Will it sometimes feel like too much? Absolutely.
But years from now, when our children talk about their school days, maybe they’ll remember not just the projects — but the laughter, teamwork, and late-night glue stains that came with them.
👉 At the end of the day, CBC isn’t about flawless projects. It’s about raising problem-solvers who can think beyond exams. And that, dear parent, might just be worth the extra manila paper.
