The Ministry of Education has officially transitioned from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to a new model known as Competency-Based Education (CBE), in a move aimed at simplifying learning pathways and making education more accessible, affordable, and practical for learners across the country.
The announcement was made on Thursday, April 24, during the National Conversation Forum on Education, where Education Principal Secretary Dr. Julius Bitok declared the shift.
He clarified that the change is not a complete overhaul, but rather a review of certain aspects of CBC, intended to better align the system with current educational needs and realities. “Curriculum is dynamic, and we have an opportunity to review some of its aspects. I am happy to note that today, we are officially launching the new brand—from CBC to CBE,” Dr. Bitok stated.
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The Ministry has begun engaging parents and stakeholders in conversations around the CBE shift, urging for collective support and participation in shaping Kenya’s evolving education policy.
According to the PS, the change is intended to ensure that learners are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values required to succeed in a competitive 21st-century economy. “The future of our children’s education rests squarely on our collective shoulders. I urge all stakeholders to actively participate in such dialogues, provide honest feedback, and help shape education policies that serve the best interests of every learner,” he added.
One of the key reforms under the new model involves the structure of mathematics education. While mathematics had previously been made optional in senior school, it has now been reinstated as compulsory.
However, it will be taught differently depending on the pathway a student chooses. Learners on 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 take a simplified version of the subject.
CBE is designed to focus more on students’ strengths, interests, and practical skills. It aims to prepare them for real-world challenges, including employment and entrepreneurship.
In addition to focusing on learners, the new model places emphasis on teacher capacity and school infrastructure. Teachers will undergo enhanced training to ensure they are well-equipped to deliver competency-based learning, while schools—especially those in the technical, arts, and sports streams—will see improvements in facilities to support the new curriculum.
The categorisation of schools will also change, with institutions now classified based on the number of career pathways they can offer. Schools that can provide all three pathways—STEM, Arts and Sports Science, and Social Sciences—will be labeled as triple pathway schools, while those offering any two will be classified as double pathway schools.
While the move to CBE has now been officially launched, the Ministry reiterated that the conversation on education reform remains ongoing. Stakeholders will continue to be engaged to ensure the curriculum meets the needs of every Kenyan learner and remains responsive to both national and global demands.