Analysis of praxis of African communalism: A model of ethical values in primary school curriculum in Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: The importance of value education in character development and the inculcation of values attitudes among children cannot be overemphasized. In the recent past, there has been an increase in cases of unethical conduct among primary school going children in Kenya and those who have graduated from this important segment of education. Purpose: This research sought to examine the practice of African communalism as a value-based education strategy to improve ethical values in the primary school curriculum in Kenya. Methodology:Since this is a philosophical study, conceptual analysis was adopted as the research methodology. Conceptual analysis entails breaking down and clarifies meanings and boundaries of concepts to promote understanding. Results: The study found that the principles of African communalism have not been fully integrated in the Kenyan curriculum despite the efforts of policy makers to localize the curriculum. Integration of African communalist principles in the primary school education curriculum envisages the inculcation of the ethics of responsibility, citizenship, fairness, transparency and participation which are essential in enhancing ethical values. Recommendations: The study recommended the integration of the principles of African communalism into the curriculum so as enhance the teaching of value education from an African perspective thus reducing the influence of Western epistemologies.