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Time to Re-Evaluate The Place and
Value of Set Books in Our Schools
By Ashford Gikunda. KCSE English set books and almost we found them that way. Again we
The new English Literature and the same number for Kiswahili are not just questioning but seeking
Kiswahili Fasihi set books for high Fasihi. The KCSE candidates are to understand why. Albert Einstein
schools will be released soon by expected to study close to ten defines insanity as, “The act of doing
the Kenya Institute of Curriculum titles so as to answer questions the same thing over and over again,
and Development. This is a ritual in their final examinations. That but expecting different results.”
that happens after every four has been the norm since the This culture of blindly following
years. Most world conventions inception of KCSE way back in things deprives us creativity
have been challenged. Set books 1985. Sometimes we find things and originality. I dare ask here,
in high schools are unnecessary happening in a particular way and what value does Blossoms of the
baggage. It is high time this ritual lack the conviction to ask why they Savannah add to a KCSE candidate?
was discarded. are done so. We just follow without Nothing. With a lot of humility, I
It does not serve the learners any understanding the rationale of such appreciate the late Ole Kulet’s value
good to moil and toil studying over happenings. in women empowerment and fight
six titles so as to answer application It is time to question the value the against FGM.
questions in the Kenya Certificate many set books add to our lives However, I still have the courage to
of Secondary Education. I submit especially after graduating from ask what value is FGM knowledge
that studying Literature and school. How is their study helping to a KCSE candidate where such a
Kiswahili Fasihi set books in high us in our careers? Time has come vice is not practised? Just because
schools is a waste of time; time well for us to question the validity and one community practices FGM
wasted in high school. the purpose these set books serve. does not mean we all gets sensitized
Currently, there are five titles for All the world conventions are being about it. That is educational
questioned. We can’t just follow wastage. Candidates should study
conventions blindly just because
42 KPSA Excellence March - May 2021
