More than 1.2 million students entering Grade 7 in January will have the chance to learn about consumer rights, as a result of the partnership between the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development and the Competition Authority of Kenya.
“In line with its mandate of promoting public knowledge and awareness of consumers’ obligations, rights, and remedies, the Competition Authority of Kenya has partnered with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to mainstream consumers’ rights and market regulation in the Curriculum for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools,” Read the press release in part.
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The same concepts will be taught in at least 20 subjects in Grades 8 and 9 respectively and thereafter in over 30 subjects at Senior Secondary (Grades 10,11 and 12) between the years 2024 and 2025.
The skills have been incorporated into the student’s course material through formal and non-formal learning activities.
“The objective of this partnership with the KICD is to prepare and impart young citizens with the capacity to make informed consumer choices in adulthood, especially when faced with different products and services due to increased competition and market complexities,” said Mr. Wang’ombe Kariuki, the Authority’s Director-General.
Students are required to identify consumer problems in their neighborhoods and explore potential solutions as part of the learning activities. This can take the form of drama, music, spoken word, dance, or even visiting communities.
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KICD Director Prof. Charles Ong’ondo noted that in the past consumer literacy matters have been narrowly addressed in Business Studies, adding that their targeted inclusion in the Curriculum, under the KICD-CAK collaboration, will broaden the perspective of consumer awareness and appreciation of the importance of competition in markets among young learners.
“Consumer-related issues affect us all irrespective of age. By mainstreaming them in the curriculum, we shall equip our young citizens with the requisite knowledge, skills, and values to safeguard them from exploitation by unscrupulous business persons and organizations,” said Prof. Ong’ondo.
