The Ministry of Education has officially replaced the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) with a new system called Competency-Based Education (CBE).
This change aims to simplify the learning process, make education more affordable, and ensure that students get practical and relevant knowledge and skills that prepare them for real-world success.
During the National Conversation Forum on Education held on Thursday, April 24, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok confirmed the change.
He stated that the move was part of an ongoing review to improve the education system and better serve the needs of learners.
“Education is ever-evolving, and this gives us the chance to revisit and improve some parts of our curriculum.
I’m pleased to announce that today marks the official launch of our new approach—shifting from CBC to CBE,” PS Bitok said.
The Ministry is actively involving parents, teachers, and other key stakeholders in discussions to ensure a smooth transition to the new education system.
They are encouraging everyone to support this shift, emphasizing that CBE is designed to help students develop the values, knowledge, and skills required to succeed in today’s fast-changing world.
“The future of our children’s education is a shared responsibility. I urge all stakeholders to get involved in similar conversations, give open and honest feedback, and help us shape policies that benefit every student,” added PS Bitok.
Key Changes with the New CBE System
One major change that students will notice is the adjustment in how mathematics is taught. Under CBC, math had been made optional for some learners, but with CBE, it is once again compulsory in senior school. However, the Ministry has introduced flexibility depending on the student’s career path.
Students taking the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) pathway will study pure mathematics, while those in the Arts and Sports Science or Social Sciences pathways will learn a simplified version of the subject.
This approach ensures that learners are not overwhelmed and receive the kind of math education that suits their chosen fields.
CBE is centered around students’ abilities, interests, and strengths. It aims to prepare them not only for higher education but also for employment and entrepreneurship.
The goal is to ensure that students leave school with practical skills that can help them succeed in life, regardless of their academic path.
The system will also focus on empowering teachers. Teachers across the country will undergo specialized training to make sure they are well-prepared to deliver lessons that match the new competency-based style of teaching.
The government also plans to improve school facilities, especially in technical, arts, and sports areas, to make sure learners have everything they need to succeed.
School Categorization Under CBE
Another major shift involves how schools are categorized. Under the new CBE framework, schools will be labeled based on the career pathways they offer.
- Triple pathway schools will provide all three learning paths: STEM; Arts and Sports Science; and Social Sciences.
- Double pathway schools will offer two out of the three, usually STEM and Social Sciences or STEM and Arts and Sports Science.
This new structure is meant to help schools focus on what they do best while giving students clear options depending on their interests and strengths.
Although the concept of Competency-Based Education is not entirely new, the Ministry is working hard to fine-tune the curriculum by continuing discussions with education stakeholders.
The aim is to ensure that CBE meets the learning needs of Kenyan students and provides a more effective, inclusive, and modern system of education.
In summary, the shift from CBC to CBE reflects the government’s effort to improve education in Kenya.
By focusing on practical learning, flexibility, and inclusiveness, CBE hopes to prepare young people not just for exams—but for life.
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