RE: Scratch Programming in Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)

[Fred Sagwe]

Dear Coders, 

Kenya is advancing coding education through Scratch, with the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) and Scratch Foundation training teachers nationwide to integrate computational thinking into the CBC.

1. Kenya’s Leadership in Coding Education

(a) Kenya was the first African country to integrate coding into its national curriculum.

(b) The CBC emphasizes hard and soft skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and essential 21st-century skills.

2. Scratch in CBC & Teacher Training

(a) Scratch is widely used in CBC to introduce coding and computational thinking.

(b) The Scratch Foundation has partnered with the Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) to train teachers.

(c) Nakuru Scratch Educator Meetups serve as a preparation ground for teaching Computer Science in Grades 10-12.

3. Teacher Professional Development & Recognition

(a) Training teachers is crucial for effective implementation of Computer Science as a STEM subject.

(b) Advanced discussions are underway for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to recognize certifications awarded by Scratch Foundation and RSK.

(c) Since TSC is mandated by the Constitution to oversee teacher professional development (TPAD), its involvement is essential.

4. Scratch’s Cross-Disciplinary Impact

(a) Scratch supports learning in all subjects, including:

(i) Languages & Humanities

(ii) Sciences & SHTEAM/STEAM

(c) Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics

(d) Physical Computing (advocated by RSK)

The KICD-approved Computer Science Grade 7 and 8 textbooks already include Scratch and robotics.

5. Integration with Raspberry Pi

(i) The Raspberry Pi single-board computer (SBC) supports Scratch and Python programming.

(ii) Encourages computational thinking and hands-on coding experiences.

6. RSK’s 2025 Scratch Educator Meetups & Expansion Plan

(i) March 2025: Scratch Educator Meetups start in Nakuru, Nairobi, and Mombasa.

(ii) Expansion Goal: Cover all 8 regions in Kenya.

(ii) April 2025: Train 47 Kenyan teachers/educators (Trainer of Trainers - ToTs) to scale training nationwide.

7. How to Stay Updated & Join the Community

Follow and subscribe to our Meetup page:

Nakuru Scratch Educator Meetup:

Ref: https://www.meetup.com/nakuru-scratch-educator-meetup/

Best,

Fred Sagwe 

Co-founder & CEO, Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK)