Laikipia teacher revolutionises Early Childhood Learning with model CBC classroom

A teacher in Laikipia County is winning praise for creating a model Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) classroom that is transforming early childhood education.

Dorcas Wangui Wamuyu, a Mount Kenya University (MKU) student and teacher at Manguo Primary School near Nyahururu, has designed a unique learning space that immerses children in real-life experiences within the classroom.

From the outside, the building looks like any other classroom. Inside, however, children encounter a vibrant setup complete with sections for meals, houses, shopping malls, nutrition and even a numbers corner. Pupils can practice everything from shopping to using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), activities that introduce them to everyday skills while making learning fun.

“All that you see here is a result of the quality learning I have gained at MKU. The lecturers encourage us to think beyond the classroom and bring real solutions that make learning better,” Dorcas said.

Her innovation has drawn admiration from Laikipia County officials. Ward ECDE Coordinator Rahab Njaramba described the classroom as both fun and educational. 

“Children enjoy learning here because the environment is very engaging. They see, they touch, and they learn,” she noted.

The model has quickly become a benchmark for other schools in the area. 

“We recently held a materials development day for all teachers here. The other nursery schools are not as advanced, but they are learning from this example,” Ms. Njaramba said, adding that Dorcas has been exceptional in creating learning materials.

The county is now considering rolling out similar classrooms across the region, with Teacher Dorcas expected to train others on her approach.

Dr. Boniface Kamau, head of Special Needs and ECDE at MKU, praised the initiative after touring the classroom. 

“You can see she is bringing creativity in teaching various activities to children. Her approach promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and talent development, which are pillars of CBC learning,” he said.

Laikipia County ECDE Director Ms. Isil Aden said the classroom reflects the creativity of teachers and has already inspired others. 

“We have 450 ECDE centres and many are now benchmarking with Manguo Primary,” she said.

Dorcas credits MKU for nurturing her creativity and passion. 

“The university has inspired me, opened my mind, and taught me to think outside the box. Material development for nursery learning is my passion,” she said.

The project comes at a time when Kenya has transitioned from Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to Competency-Based Education (CBE), a system-wide upgrade that emphasises not just curriculum, but pedagogy, assessment, infrastructure and teacher training, all aimed at equipping learners with real-world skills.