Involves evaluating a learner's ability to demonstrate competencies by performing real-life tasks. It focuses on higher-order thinking skills and active performance.
What is the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)?
Unlike the previous content-based 8-4-4 curriculum, which focused on covering predetermined syllabi and memorization for summative exams, CBC emphasizes the acquisition and application of appropriate competencies – a blend of knowledge, skills, and behavior.
It is about what learners can do with their education, rather than just what they know theoretically. This learner-centric approach encourages active participation, exploration, and the development of real-life problem-solving abilities from an early age.
Key Terminology
Learning Areas: What were traditionally called subjects
Strands: Topics have been rebranded as Strands
Sub-Strands: Sub-topics are now referred to as Sub-Strands
Core Philosophy
Focus on competencies - a blend of knowledge, skills, and behavior
Learner-centric approach encouraging active participation
Development of real-life problem-solving abilities
Implementation Timeline
Introduced in December 2017
Replaces the long-standing 8-4-4 system
Senior School pathways starting from 2026
The Structure of Kenya's CBC System
The CBC system is primarily structured as a 2-6-3-3-3 education cycle, outlining the years spent at different levels. Learners progress through a minimum of 17 levels, each typically lasting one year.
1
Early Years Education (EYE)
Foundational level focusing on mastering basic skills
2
Middle School
Encompasses both Upper Primary and Junior Secondary education
3
Senior School (Grade 10-12)
Crucial specialization stage with three pathways (starting 2026)
4
Tertiary Education
Transition to TVET institutions or universities
Senior School Pathways (Grade 10-12)
Starting from 2026, learners will choose from three specialized pathways:
STEM Pathway
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Arts and Sports Science
Creative and physical development focus
Social Sciences
Humanities and social understanding
Assessment in the CBC System
One of the most significant shifts in CBC is moving away from high-stakes, summative exams towards a continuous, varied, and feedback-oriented approach.
Activities where learners physically carry out a task to demonstrate their competency, often integrating multiple learning areas and core competencies.
Teachers utilize observation schedules, checklists, rating scales, questionnaires, projects, journals, oral questions, learner's profiles, anecdotal records, written assessments, rubrics, and portfolios.
Feedback is constructive, specific, and timely. Official reporting includes Transition Reports and Learner Exit Profiles. The Kenya Early Years Assessment (KEYA) Portal manages and reports learner outcomes.
Benefits of the CBC Curriculum
Talent Identification
Helps children identify and build on their strengths for suitable careers from an early age
Practical Learning
Encourages hands-on learning and applying knowledge to real-life situations
Skills Development
Develops 21st-century skills like critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration
Continuous Assessment
Provides ongoing feedback to monitor progress and adjust learning approaches
Collaboration Focus
Fosters a supportive learning environment over competition
Parental Engagement
Encourages active parental involvement in the child's learning journey
Learner-Centered
Guides students to become independent, self-directed learners
Smooth Transition
Designed for seamless progression between educational levels
Challenges and the Way Forward
While CBC offers many benefits, implementation has faced challenges:
Current Challenges
- Lack of adequate teacher training
- Low funding for resources
- Overcrowded classrooms
- Dilapidated buildings
- Lack of understanding from parents
Solutions
- Extensive teacher training programs
- Align curriculum with labor market needs
- Adapt learning assessments
- Involve teachers in development
- Increase financial resources
The success of CBC hinges on the collective effort of all stakeholders – the government, educators, parents, and the community.