1 a) Justify the inclusion of Comparative Education in the teacher preparation programmes in Kenya today? (12 marks) b) Highlight the characteristics in the "concern for cultural context" phase in the development of Comparative Education. (8 marks) c) Discuss the demerits of centralized education systems. (10 marks) 2. With the aid of appropriate examples, show how EITHER geographical OR linguistic factors have influenced education systems in Africa. (20 marks) 3. Discuss the challenges that teachers encounter in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)education system in Kenya and propose possible remedies (20 marks) 4. Examine the lessons that Kenya may borrow from EITHER Japan OR South Korean education systems to improve hers (20 marks) 5. Using examples, discuss the contributions of UNICEF in the provision of basic education in the developing countries (20 marks)

1. a) Comparative Education is included in teacher preparation programs in Kenya today because it helps teachers understand and appreciate the diversity of educational systems and practices around the world. This knowledge enables them to adapt and innovate in their teaching methods and curriculum design, making education more relevant and effective for their students.<br /><br />b) The "concern for cultural context" phase in the development of Comparative Education emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural, social, and historical context of education in different countries. This phase recognizes that education is not just about transmitting knowledge but also about shaping and reflecting the values, beliefs, and practices of a society.<br /><br />c) Centralized education systems have several demerits, including a lack of flexibility and responsiveness to local needs, limited teacher autonomy, and potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies. These systems often rely on standardized curricula and teaching methods, which may not cater to the diverse needs and abilities of students.<br /><br />2. Geographical factors have influenced education systems in Africa in various ways. For example, in countries like Ethiopia, the rugged terrain and diverse climate have led to the development of specialized educational programs that cater to the needs of students in remote and mountainous regions. Linguistic factors have also played a significant role in shaping education systems in Africa. For instance, in countries like Nigeria, the presence of multiple languages has led to the development of bilingual education programs that aim to preserve indigenous languages while also teaching English as a lingua franca.<br /><br />3. Teachers in Kenya face several challenges in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) education system, including a lack of adequate training and resources, insufficient support from school administration, and difficulties in aligning the curriculum with existing assessment systems. To address these challenges, it is recommended that the government invest in teacher training and professional development, provide adequate resources and support for schools, and develop assessment tools that align with the competencies outlined in the CBC.<br /><br />4. Kenya can learn several lessons from the Japanese and South Korean education systems to improve its own education system. For example, Japan's emphasis on discipline, hard work, and respect for authority can be incorporated into the Kenyan education system to promote a culture of excellence and high academic achievement. South Korea's focus on science and technology education can also be adopted by Kenya to develop a strong foundation in these fields and prepare students for the demands of the 21st century.<br /><br />5. UNICEF has made significant contributions to the provision of basic education in developing countries through various initiatives. For example, in countries like Afghanistan, UNICEF has supported the construction of schools, provided educational materials, and trained teachers to ensure that children have access to quality education. In Nigeria, UNICEF has worked with the government to implement school feeding programs that not only provide nutritious meals to children but also encourage attendance and enrollment in schools.