Understanding CBC and CBE Curriculums in Kenya: A Shift Toward Skill-Based Education

Kenya’s education system is undergoing a transformative shift with the transition from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework. Introduced in 2017 to replace the exam-heavy 8-4-4 system, CBC has evolved into CBE as of April 2025, aiming to create a more holistic, practical, and learner-centered education system. This blog post explores the differences between CBC and CBE, their benefits, challenges, and why this shift matters for students, parents, and educators in Kenya.

What is the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)?

The CBC, launched in 2017 by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), marked a departure from the traditional 8-4-4 system, which emphasized rote memorization and high-stakes exams. CBC introduced a 2-6-3-3-3 education cycle, consisting of:

• 2 years of pre-primary education (PP1 and PP2)
• 6 years of primary education (Grades 1–6)
• 3 years of junior secondary education (Grades 7–9)
• 3 years of senior secondary education (Grades 10–12)
• 3 years of tertiary education (university or TVET)

The CBC focuses on nurturing seven core competencies: communication and collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and imagination, citizenship, digital literacy, learning to learn, and self-efficacy. It prioritizes practical skills, continuous assessment, and learner-centered approaches over exam-based evaluations. The vision of CBC is to create “engaged, empowered, and ethical citizens,” aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development.

Key Features of CBC

• Learning Areas: Subjects are referred to as “learning areas,” with topics broken into strands and sub-strands for a structured, skill-based approach.
• Continuous Assessment: Progress is evaluated through projects, portfolios, and practical demonstrations, reducing reliance on high-stakes exams.
• Parental Engagement: Parents play a significant role in supporting learners, fostering a collaborative educational environment.
• Flexible Pathways: At senior secondary, students choose from three career tracks, STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts and Sports, based on their interests and strengths.

The Shift to Competency-Based Education (CBE)

In April 2025, the Kenyan Ministry of Education announced the transition from CBC to CBE, a broader reform that goes beyond curriculum changes to encompass infrastructure, teaching methods, and alignment with industry needs. According to Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, CBE is a “system-wide reform” designed to make education more affordable, accessible, and practical.

Why the Change from CBC to CBE?

The shift to CBE addresses several challenges faced during CBC implementation:

• High Costs: CBC’s resource-intensive nature, including materials and training, strained parents and schools, especially in public institutions.
• Implementation Gaps: Lack of adequate teacher training and digital literacy resources hindered CBC’s success in some areas.
• Stakeholder Feedback: Parents, teachers, and industry leaders called for a more streamlined and practical system.

CBE refines CBC’s foundation by emphasizing:

• Practical Skills: Hands-on projects, industry attachments, and entrepreneurship training prepare students for real-world challenges.
• Compulsory Mathematics: Unlike CBC, where math was optional in senior school, CBE mandates it for all students, with pure mathematics for STEM tracks and a simplified version for Arts and Social Sciences.
• Infrastructure Improvements: CBE includes investments in school facilities, particularly for technical, arts, and sports education.
• Simplified Assessments: CBE streamlines assessments to reduce complexity while maintaining a focus on competencies.

CBC vs. CBE: Key Differences

Aspect	CBC	CBE
Scope	Curriculum-focused, emphasizing skills and competencies.	System-wide reform, including curriculum, infrastructure, and teaching.
Mathematics	Optional in senior school.	Compulsory for all, with tailored versions for different tracks.
Assessment	Continuous, project-based assessments.	Simplified assessments with a focus on practical skills.
Infrastructure	Limited focus on facilities.	Emphasizes upgrading schools for technical and creative learning.
Stakeholder Involvement	Moderate engagement with parents and industry.	Strong emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, including industry ties.

Benefits of CBC and CBE

1. Holistic Development: Both systems prioritize skills like critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy, preparing students for a dynamic global economy.
2. Personalized Learning: Students progress at their own pace, mastering competencies before advancing, which reduces skill gaps.
3. Career Readiness: CBE’s focus on industry attachments and entrepreneurship equips students for employment and innovation.
4. Reduced Exam Stress: Continuous assessments replace high-pressure exams, fostering a more relaxed learning environment.
5. Inclusivity: CBE’s flexible pathways and special provisions for learners with special needs ensure equitable education.

Challenges of CBC and CBE Implementation

Despite their promise, both CBC and CBE face hurdles:

• Resource Constraints: Public schools often lack the materials and digital tools needed for effective implementation.
• Teacher Training: Continuous professional development is essential but costly, with many teachers needing re-skilling.
• Parental Confusion: The shift from 8-4-4 to CBC, and now CBE, has left some parents unclear about their roles and the system’s demands.
• Cost Barriers: CBC’s material requirements were expensive, and while CBE aims to be more affordable, initial investments remain high.

How Parents and Educators Can Support CBE

1. Stay Informed: Parents should familiarize themselves with CBE’s structure, competencies, and assessment methods to guide their children effectively.
2. Encourage Skill Development: Support extracurricular activities that align with CBE’s focus on creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
3. Advocate for Resources: Teachers and parents can push for government investment in training and infrastructure to ensure CBE’s success.
4. Embrace Technology: Leverage digital tools like the Darasa app for assessments and learning support.

The Future of Education in Kenya

The transition from CBC to CBE is a bold step toward an education system that values skills, creativity, and practical application over rote learning. By addressing CBC’s challenges and aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030, CBE aims to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also innovative and job-ready. However, its success depends on robust stakeholder collaboration, adequate funding, and ongoing teacher training.

As Kenya moves toward full CBE implementation by 2029, when the first cohort transitions to university, parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to ensure every learner’s potential is nurtured.

Conclusion

The shift from CBC to CBE marks a new chapter in Kenya’s education journey. By focusing on practical skills, inclusivity, and career readiness, CBE builds on CBC’s foundation to create a more dynamic and equitable system. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, understanding these changes is key to navigating and succeeding in Kenya’s evolving educational landscape.