May 31, 2025
In a major policy shift, the Government of Kenya has officially announced the transition from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to a new Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. The decision, unveiled on Friday by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, marks a new chapter in the country’s education sector aimed at improving learning outcomes and addressing longstanding implementation challenges.
“The transition to Competency-Based Education is not a reversal of progress, but a refinement of intent. CBE places stronger emphasis on mastery, performance, and measurable outcomes,” said Ogamba during a national address at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
What is Changing: From CBC to CBE
The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was introduced in 2017 to replace the traditional 8-4-4 system. While it focused on nurturing learners’ talents and practical skills, it attracted criticism over complex assessments, lack of clear learning paths, and heavy burdens on parents and teachers.
Now, under Competency-Based Education (CBE), the government intends to:
- Shift from activity-based learning to performance-based evaluation
- Set clear, measurable benchmarks at every level of education
- Streamline content delivery and simplify assessments
- Enhance alignment with industry-relevant skills, particularly at the senior secondary and TVET levels
- Reduce the demand on parents, especially in completing take-home assignments
Implementation Strategy
CS Ogamba outlined a structured roadmap for implementing the CBE model:
- Curriculum Review: KICD will revise all CBC materials to align with CBE by December 2025.
- Teacher Retraining: A nationwide retraining exercise will begin in July 2025 to equip educators with new pedagogical approaches.
- Pilot Programs: CBE will be tested in select schools starting January 2026.
- National Rollout: Full national implementation is expected by January 2027.
“CBE will emphasize what a learner can do with knowledge rather than what they can remember,” said KICD Director Dr. Esther Mungai.
Reactions from Teachers and Parents
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have welcomed the changes, calling them “a step toward sanity.”
“The CBC was rushed and lacked infrastructure. We believe CBE offers a clearer, more manageable path,” said KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu.
Parents, many of whom had complained about the cost and complexity of CBC, also expressed cautious optimism.
“We were doing assignments with our kids daily. If this new system gives more responsibility back to schools, then it’s a relief,” said Sarah Atieno, a parent in Kisumu.
Assessment and National Exams
Under CBE, traditional summative exams like KCPE and KCSE will gradually be phased out. In their place, learners will be assessed based on competency demonstrations, digital portfolios, and real-life performance tasks.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is expected to unveil a new CBE-aligned framework for national assessment by mid-2026.
A Global Shift
CBE is already in use in progressive education systems such as Finland, Germany, Singapore, and parts of the United States. Kenya’s adoption aims to make its graduates more competitive in the global job market.
“We must produce graduates who can innovate, build, and lead. CBE is how we make Kenyan education fit for the 21st century,” emphasized Ogamba.
What Learners Should Expect
- Grade 6 students will continue under a hybrid CBC-CBE system until 2027.
- Secondary schools will begin shifting to CBE-aligned learning targets by 2026.
- TVET institutions and universities will receive guidelines by November 2025.
This historic shift signals a new era for education in Kenya. As the country prepares to implement CBE, stakeholders across the board — from teachers and students to parents and employers — will be watching closely to see how the bold promise of competency-based learning translates into real outcomes.
