TEACHERS’ READINESS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETENCE-BASED CURRICULUM IN LOWER PRIMARY PUPILS IN MUMBUNI ZONE, MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of teachers’ readiness on implementation of Competence-Based Curriculum in lower primary pupils in Mumbuni Zone, Machakos County. To ensure accessibility, retention, and completion of primary schooling as per Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), free primary education (FPE) was implemented in 2003. The government wanted to ensure that every child acquires the knowledge and skills necessary to promote sustainable development as per the SDGs. The persistent campaign by worldwide communities to persuade countries to respect human rights and meet basic needs has been one of the major issues of the 21st Century. Smith's theory on structural functionalism informed this study. The study adopted descriptive survey design. A target population of 24 public primary schools, 24 head teachers and 72 teachers in lower primary schools were used. A sample size of eight head teachers and 22 lower primary teachers was identified for the study based on a simple random sampling of 30% of the targeted population. Interview guide and questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using both quantitatively and qualitatively. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze quantitative data with the use of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 27). Frequencies and percentages were created and presented using tables and figures.. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested using Pearson Product moment correlation from the pilot study. The study found that most of the lower primary teachers (97.8%) were ready to execute CBC, which positively impacted lower primary pupils’ learning, thus significantly affecting the implementation of Competence-Based Curriculum among pupils in lower primary schools within the Mumbuni zone. Based on the findings, the study recommends that teachers need training through in-service training, seminars, and workshops for successful implementation of CBC and positive implementation of Competence-Based Curriculum. The research concluded that teacher’s readiness significantly influenced CBC implementation in lower primary pupils of Mumbuni Zone, Machakos Sub County, Machakos County.