“Beyond Books: Kenya Launches Value-Based Education to Shape a More Ethical Generation”
The Launch of Value-Based Education Marks a New Chapter in Kenya’s Education System
By Jeff Kizzilah
The National Parents Association (NPA) has lauded the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for the launch of Value-Based Education (VBE), terming it a transformative step toward nurturing morally grounded and responsible citizens.
Speaking during the launch, National Chairman of the NPA, Silas David Obuhatsa, commended KICD for what he described as a timely and visionary initiative that complements the ongoing implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE).
“Education is not only about academic excellence but also about nurturing responsible, ethical, and well-rounded individuals,” Obuhatsa stated.
He emphasized that while CBE has successfully shifted focus from rote learning to competencies and skills, the integration of values is essential to ensure learners develop integrity, responsibility, and social consciousness.
“Value-Based Education becomes the moral compass of the Competency-Based Education framework,” he added.
Obuhatsa noted that VBE will play a critical role in shaping the character of learners, especially in a fast-changing world influenced by technology, globalization, and social pressures.
He highlighted key values such as integrity, respect, responsibility, patriotism, and empathy as essential in guiding young people toward making sound decisions.
The NPA Chairman further pointed out that the initiative will help address growing concerns around indiscipline and moral decline in schools by embedding values directly into the curriculum. He said this proactive approach will foster accountability, respect, and positive behavior among learners.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of VBE in promoting national cohesion, noting that shared values are key to building a peaceful and inclusive society in Kenya’s diverse cultural landscape.
Obuhatsa also stressed the critical role of parents in the success of the program, reaffirming that education begins at home. He called for stronger collaboration between parents, teachers, and educational institutions to ensure effective implementation.
“In the era of Competency-Based Education, parental engagement is no longer optional—it is essential,” he said.
As part of the expectations for the rollout of VBE, the NPA called for inclusive implementation across the country, adequate training and support for teachers, empowerment of parents, and the integration of values assessment alongside academic evaluation.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with KICD and other stakeholders to promote awareness and adoption of Value-Based Education nationwide.
Obuhatsa also welcomed remarks by Professor Charles Ong’ondo, particularly on the issue of textbooks, urging school principals to promptly provide accurate data to facilitate efficient distribution of learning materials.
In conclusion, he called on all stakeholders to embrace the initiative, emphasizing that Kenya’s future depends not only on the intelligence of its children but also on their character.
“Let us build a generation that not only excels academically but also upholds the highest standards of integrity and moral responsibility,” he concluded.
