Shift from CBC to CBE

Ministry Replaces CBC with CBE

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Ministry of Education Unveils Shift from CBC to CBE: In a landmark announcement during the National Conversation Forum on Education held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Ministry of Education officially transitioned from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to a more refined and practical model—Competency-Based Education (CBE).

This shift marks a strategic effort to simplify learning pathways, making education more accessible, affordable, and aligned with real-world needs. By prioritizing practical skills, CBE aims to empower learners with the competencies necessary to thrive in a fast-evolving, 21st-century economy.

Recognizing that education must continuously evolve, the Ministry has seized this opportunity to review and fine-tune key elements of the curriculum. Ongoing engagement with parents and key stakeholders underscores the government’s commitment to making the transition smooth, inclusive, and impactful. The Ministry is calling on all partners to rally behind the new direction, reaffirming its dedication to ensuring the successful rollout of CBE nationwide.

Read: How CBC Grade 9 Students Will Be Placed To Senior School

What Will Change for Learners?

One of the most notable transformations lies in how subjects will be delivered—starting with mathematics, a subject that has been at the heart of recent debates. Although earlier suggestions hinted at making mathematics optional, the Ministry has clarified that mathematics will remain compulsory at senior school level. However, it will be tailored to suit different career trajectories:

  • STEM pathway students will study pure mathematics.
  • Students in the Arts & Sports Science or Social Sciences pathways will take a simplified version of the subject.

This nuanced approach ensures learners are not only engaged based on their strengths and interests but are also equipped with practical knowledge tailored to their future careers.

Read: Interesting Facts About Kenyan High Schools

Assessment Structure Changed

The previous four assessment levels have been expanded to eight by dividing each original level into two sub-levels:

Exceeding Expectation (EE) → EE1 (90–99 marks) and EE2 (75–89 marks)

Meeting Expectation (ME) → ME1 (58–74 marks) and ME2 (41–57 marks)

Approaching Expectation (AE) → AE1 (31–40 marks) and AE2 (21–30 marks)

Below Expectation (BE) → BE1 (11–20 marks) and BE2 (1–10 marks)

Possible Reintroduction of Student Ranking

Due to the focus on marks and points, the ministry may allow ranking of students, which was previously abolished under CBC to discourage unhealthy academic competition and exam malpractice.

Redefined Roles of Key Education Bodies:

Ministry of Education: Oversees implementation of CBE.

KICD: Handles curriculum development (still referred to as CBC).

KNEC: Manages Competency-Based Assessment (CBA).

TSC: Oversees Lesson Learning Outcomes (LLOs) and teaching plans.

Focus on Skills, Teachers, and Facilities

CBE goes beyond students—it’s a holistic transformation:

  • Teachers will receive enhanced training to deliver learner-focused, competency-based instruction.
  • School infrastructure, especially in technical, arts, and sports disciplines, will be upgraded to meet the demands of the new system.
  • Schools will be reclassified into Triple Pathway and Double Pathway institutions based on their capacity to offer specialized streams:
    • Triple Pathway Schools will offer all three tracks: STEM; Arts and Sports Science; and Social Sciences.
    • Double Pathway Schools will offer two, typically combining STEM with either of the other pathways.

A Future-Focused Approach

The journey toward Competency-Based Education is not starting from scratch—it builds on years of dialogue, research, and stakeholder input. The Ministry remains committed to an inclusive, responsive, and practical education system that prepares Kenyan learners not just to pass exams, but to excel in life, work, and innovation.