As schools reopen, many Kenyan parents are once again faced with a familiar but increasingly complex question: What learning tools does my child actually need?
Under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), education is no longer centered on a single path or one final exam. Learners move through different pathways that emphasize creativity, problem-solving, practical skills, and self-expression alongside academic knowledge. This shift has changed not only how children learn, but also how families must think about school supplies.
CBC places strong emphasis on continuous assessment, project work, creative expression, and hands-on learning. From drawing and journaling to written reflections and practical assignments, students are expected to demonstrate understanding in more ways than before. This means stationery is no longer just about ticking items off a shopping list. It is part of the learning process itself.
At the same time, the cost of education remains a real concern for many households. Parents are balancing school fees, uniforms, transport, and learning materials in an already tight economic climate. Value, durability, and longevity matter more than ever. A pen that runs out quickly or breaks easily becomes an added cost. One that lasts supports learning day after day.
Across CBC pathways, from early years to junior secondary, writing remains a foundational skill. Learners are required to express ideas clearly, record observations, complete projects, and reflect on their work. Creativity is not optional. It is central to how learning is assessed. This makes access to reliable writing and drawing tools a practical necessity, not a luxury.
Education experts note that when learners have consistent access to basic tools, participation improves. Children are more likely to engage in class activities, complete assignments independently, and build confidence in expressing their thoughts. In contrast, lack of materials can quietly exclude learners, even when they are present in class.
Some private sector players have responded to this reality by supporting access to learning tools alongside formal education systems. Brands like BIC, widely known for stationery, have positioned their products as everyday tools designed for long-term use in school environments. Beyond product availability, initiatives such as Buy Me and BIC Will Donate a Pen aim to extend access by ensuring that for every pen purchased, another reaches a learner who may otherwise go without.
While such initiatives do not replace the role of schools or government, they highlight an important point in the CBC conversation. Equity in education is shaped not only by curriculum design, but also by whether learners have the tools required to participate fully.
As families prepare for the new term, the back-to-school conversation under CBC goes beyond brand choice. It is about selecting learning tools that support creativity, last through daily use, and offer value in a system that demands more from learners than memorization alone.
In a curriculum built on skills and expression, the right tools can make the difference between watching and participating, between copying and creating. And as CBC continues to evolve, ensuring that no learner is left behind may start with something simple, practical, and within reach.
