In the recent episode of Jijuze, the host Brian discussed the imminent transition of Grade 9 learners under Kenya's Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) slated for January 6, 2025. He highlighted the pressing and persistent challenges such as systemic gaps that undermine the curriculum's efficacy including delayed allocation of earmarked funding and inadequate teacher training. Brian insisted on the importance of keeping the CBC amidst these issues as abandoning it could worsen disruptions in the educational sector. He also emphasized the crucial role of parents, local leaders, NGOs in promoting students’ learning journey. The host concluded by underscoring the need for Kenya to develop a holistic and comprehensive approach to educational reform that balances global best practices and the specific socio-economic realities of the nation, moving away from short-term fixes.

• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/grade-9-staring-at-a-crisis--4849934
• https://nation.africa/kenya/blogs-opinion/editorials/-move-swiftly-to-avert-looming-grade-9-crisis-4852042
• Education Ministry Ready for Grade 9 Transition - Kenyans.co.ke
• Government Assures Smooth Transition for Grade 9 Learners
• 50 days to Grade 9 rollout: Are schools ready for CBC transition? - The Standard
• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/ruto-says-government-is-ready-for-grade-9-but-reality-on-the-ground-is-different--4805244
• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/why-grade-9-roll-out-could-be-chaotic-for-schools--4778078
• Ruto: We’re ready for Grade 9 transition in 2025
• Finland partners with Kenya to enhance CBC

In this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses the impending transition of Grade 9 students in Kenya's education system, under the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), set to begin on January 6, 2025. Brian highlights the existing logistical challenges such as infrastructure deficits, slow governmental fund disbursements, and reports of poor construction work. He also tackles the issue of staffing shortages, emphasizing that the recruitment of 46,000 teachers since 2023 is insufficient given the needs of the CBC. The programs and methods used in Finland's successful competency-based education system are compared to Kenya's, shedding light on the systemic weaknesses and scarcity of resources in the latter. Drawing on examples from other Sub-Saharan countries like Rwanda, Zambia, and Tanzania, Brian underscores the need for adaptation to local needs and circumstances when implementing foreign education systems. He finishes the episode imploring for urgent intervention to prevent chaos when Grade 9 resumes.

• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/grade-9-staring-at-a-crisis--4849934
• https://nation.africa/kenya/blogs-opinion/editorials/-move-swiftly-to-avert-looming-grade-9-crisis-4852042
• Education Ministry Ready for Grade 9 Transition - Kenyans.co.ke
• 50 days to Grade 9 rollout: Are schools ready for CBC transition? - The Standard
• Government Assures Smooth Transition for Grade 9 Learners
• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/ruto-says-government-is-ready-for-grade-9-but-reality-on-the-ground-is-different--4805244
• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/why-grade-9-roll-out-could-be-chaotic-for-schools--4778078
• Finland partners with Kenya to enhance CBC
• Ruto: We’re ready for Grade 9 transition in 2025

The Jee-Juu-Zay podcast, hosted by Brian, delves into the prevailing financial issues facing Kenyans. Despite significant advancements in mobile money platforms like M-Pesa, over 81.7% of Kenyans still struggle with financial instability according to the 2024 FinAccess Household Survey. Brian highlights the troubling rise of unregulated digital lenders with high interest rates, exacerbating the debt cycle and financial struggles. He argues for collaboration amongst financial institutions, the government, and fintech companies for viable credit solutions, as well as broader economic interventions, like enhanced financial literacy and promotion of savings habits. He stresses the aim should be not only to increase financial inclusion but to enable people to thrive within the financial system, improving the overall wellbeing of millions.

• Financial health vs. financial wellness—are they the same?| Bank of America | Workplace Insights™
• Kenya's financial inclusion hit 84 percent amid policy reforms, digitization: report-Xinhua
• Building Kenya’s Financial Health Amidst Increasing Financial Inclusion – KIPPRA
• Majority of Kenyans in poor financial health - survey - The Standard
• Stakeholders call for partnerships to enhance financial inclusion
• CS Mbadi Turns the Heat on Banks on Borrowing Costs - Kenyan Wall Street - Business, Markets & Finance Insights