At Madaraka Comprehensive School in Nairobi County, a Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) practical lesson unfolds with rich, experiential learning at its core. In this cookery class, the air is filled with the aroma of grilled chicken and freshly kneaded chapatti, while the setting buzzes with learner-driven activity. Adorned in aprons and hats, some creatively improvised from shopping bags, students prepare meals in teams, showcasing both innovation and resourcefulness.
This is more than a cooking lesson; it is a live demonstration of values-based education in action. Learners organize themselves and assign each other roles. Some are preparing ingredients, others are cleaning, while there is someone assigned to track the recipes. They are exhibiting high levels of communication, cooperation, empathy, and respect. In the process, they cultivate essential life skills such as turn-taking, responsibility, and appreciation for diversity in abilities while recognizing each other’s contribution.
The moment of shared joy comes when the food is ready. “We don’t often eat chicken or fish at home,” one learner remarks. “But when we all contribute, we get to share and taste something special together.” Another proudly adds, “I didn’t know how to cook chicken before. Now I can, and I’ll be the chef at home this Christmas.”
This vignette captures the essence of Kenya’s bold shift toward a more values-driven, learner-centred education system, one that recognizes that personal growth, social-emotional development, and ethical grounding are as essential as academic achievement. It demonstrates how curriculum reform, when intentionally infused with values, creates inclusive spaces for learners to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
@polo_raynor
