The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is Kenya’s transformative education framework, introduced in 2017 to replace the 8-4-4 system.
Designed to shift from rote learning to skill development, CBC emphasizes competencies, practical skills, and values to prepare learners for a dynamic world.
As Kenya rolls out this curriculum across pre-primary, primary, junior, and senior secondary levels, it’s reshaping how students learn, teachers teach, and parents engage.
This blog post explains the CBC, its structure, principles, benefits, challenges, and how it aligns with the 2026 school calendar.
What is the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)?
The CBC is an educational model that focuses on developing learners’ competencies —knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values — rather than merely memorizing facts for exams.
It aims to produce self-reliant, engaged, and empowered individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society.
Unlike the 8-4-4 system, which was exam-centric and heavily academic, CBC prioritizes practical application, critical thinking, and holistic development.
The curriculum is guided by the vision: “Nurturing Every Learner’s Potential”. It aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, aiming to create a skilled workforce for a knowledge-based economy.
Administered by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), CBC is learner-centered, encouraging students to explore their interests and talents while fostering values like integrity, responsibility, and collaboration.
Structure of the CBC in Kenya
CBC is structured under the 2-6-3-3-3 system, replacing the 8-4-4 model (8 years primary, 4 years secondary, 4 years university). Here’s how it breaks down:
| Level | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Primary (PP1 & PP2) | 2 years | Ages 4–5; Focus on foundational skills like language, numeracy, and social interaction. |
| Primary Education | 6 years | Grades 1–6; Ages 6–11; Covers core subjects and introduces pathways for specialization. |
| Junior Secondary School (JSS) | 3 years | Grades 7–9; Ages 12–14; Broadens learning areas and emphasizes exploration. |
| Senior Secondary School (SSS) | 3 years | Grades 10–12; Ages 15–17; Students choose specialized pathways (e.g., STEM, Arts, Sports). |
| Tertiary Education | 3+ years | University, TVET, or other post-secondary training based on pathways. |
Key Stages and Assessments
- Pre-Primary: Focuses on play-based learning to develop communication, creativity, and motor skills.
- Primary (Lower and Upper): Grades 1–3 (Lower Primary) build foundational literacy and numeracy. Grades 4–6 (Upper Primary) introduce more subjects and practical activities. Assessment is continuous, culminating in the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) at Grade 6.
- Junior Secondary: Grades 7–9 deepen knowledge across diverse subjects, with students assessed via the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) at Grade 9.
- Senior Secondary: Grades 10–12 allow specialization in one of three pathways: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Arts and Sports, or Social Sciences. Students are assessed through the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) or Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA) at Grade 12.
- Tertiary: Students pursue university, technical and vocational education (TVET), or other specialized training based on their Senior Secondary pathway.
Core Principles of CBC
CBC is built on seven core competencies that guide teaching and learning:
- Communication and Collaboration: Developing effective verbal, written, and teamwork skills.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Encouraging analysis and innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
- Creativity and Imagination: Fostering innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.
- Citizenship: Promoting patriotism, social responsibility, and global awareness.
- Digital Literacy: Equipping learners with technology skills for a digital world.
- Learning to Learn: Encouraging lifelong learning and adaptability.
- Self-Efficacy: Building confidence and independence in decision-making.
Additionally, CBC integrates values such as integrity, respect, responsibility, and peace, which are embedded in classroom activities and community engagement.
Learning Areas in CBC
CBC organizes subjects into learning areas tailored to each level. These evolve as students progress:
Pre-Primary (PP1 & PP2)
- Language Activities
- Mathematical Activities
- Environmental Activities
- Creative Arts
- Religious Education
- Psychomotor Activities
Lower Primary (Grades 1–3)
- Literacy
- Kiswahili Language Activities/Kenya Sign Language
- English Language Activities
- Indigenous Language Activities
- Mathematical Activities
- Environmental Activities
- Creative Arts
- Religious Education
Upper Primary (Grades 4–6)
- English
- Kiswahili/Kenya Sign Language
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Social Studies
- Agriculture
- Home Science
- Creative Arts (Art, Craft, Music)
- Religious Education
- Physical and Health Education
Junior Secondary (Grades 7–9)
- Core Subjects: English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Pre-Technical Studies, Business Studies, Agriculture, Religious Education, Health Education
- Optional Subjects (1–2): Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Home Science, Computer Science, Foreign Languages, Kenyan Sign Language, Indigenous Languages
Senior Secondary (Grades 10–12)
Students choose a pathway with a minimum of 7 subjects:
- STEM: Focus on sciences, math, and technology (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, ICT).
- Arts and Sports: Includes visual arts, performing arts, and sports science.
- Social Sciences: Covers humanities like History, Geography, and Business Studies.
Assessment in CBC
CBC shifts from high-stakes exams to continuous assessment, combining formative and summative evaluations:
- Formative Assessments: Ongoing tasks like projects, group work, portfolios, and class activities to monitor progress.
- Summative Assessments: National exams at key stages:
- KPSEA (Grade 6): Assesses primary-level competencies.
- KILEA (Grade 9): Evaluates junior secondary learning.
- KJSEA/KPLEA (Grade 12): Tests specialized knowledge based on chosen pathways.
These assessments focus on applying knowledge rather than memorization, with results guiding placement into Senior Secondary pathways or tertiary education.
How CBC Aligns with the 2026 School Calendar
The 2026 school calendar, released on October 13, 2025, by the Ministry of Education, is tailored to support CBC implementation. Here’s how:
- Term Structure: The 34-week academic year (13 weeks Term 1, 12 weeks Term 2, 9 weeks Term 3) ensures sufficient time for competency-based learning, including projects and practical activities.
- Examination Timing: National exams (KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA/KPLEA, and KCSE) are scheduled from October 26 to November 20, 2026, immediately after Term 3, allowing students to focus on assessments without interruptions.
- No Extracurriculars in Term 3: Secondary schools avoid extracurricular activities during Term 3 to prioritize revision and practical preparation, aligning with CBC’s emphasis on applied learning.
- Holidays: The extended 10-week December holiday (October 26, 2026 – January 3, 2027) gives students time to reflect on their progress and prepare for the next academic phase.
Benefits of CBC
- Holistic Development: CBC nurtures not just academics but also life skills, values, and talents.
- Flexibility: Students choose pathways in Senior Secondary that align with their interests and career goals.
- Practical Learning: Emphasis on projects, group work, and real-world applications prepares students for modern challenges.
- Inclusivity: CBC accommodates diverse learners, including those in pre-vocational tracks, ensuring no one is left behind.
- Global Relevance: The focus on digital literacy, critical thinking, and collaboration aligns with international education standards.
Challenges of CBC Implementation
While CBC is promising, it faces hurdles:
- Resource Constraints: Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack infrastructure like labs, ICT tools, or trained teachers.
- Teacher Training: Educators need ongoing professional development to deliver CBC effectively.
- Parental Involvement: CBC requires active parental engagement, which can be challenging for busy or less-educated families.
- Assessment Clarity: Continuous assessment demands consistent monitoring, which can strain teachers and schools.
- Transition to Pathways: Ensuring all students have access to their preferred Senior Secondary pathways remains a logistical challenge.
Tips for Parents and Educators
- Understand CBC Goals: Familiarize yourself with the competencies and values to support your child’s learning.
- Encourage Practical Learning: Engage students in projects, community activities, or digital tools at home.
- Monitor Progress: Regularly check continuous assessment reports to track strengths and areas for improvement.
- Plan for 2026 Exams: For students in Grades 6, 9, or 12, use Term 3 (August 24 – October 23, 2026) for focused revision.
- Collaborate with Schools: Attend parent-teacher meetings to stay informed about CBC implementation.
Conclusion
By focusing on competencies like critical thinking, digital literacy, and citizenship, CBC prepares students for a rapidly changing world.
The 2026 school calendar complements this by providing a structured timeline for learning, assessments, and rest.
While challenges like resource shortages persist, the collaborative efforts of parents, teachers, and policymakers can ensure CBC’s success. For more details, visit the Ministry of Education or KICD websites, or contact your school.
