The CBC Curriculum: Transforming Learning in Schools in Kenya

 The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)  in Kenya represents a transformative approach to education, aiming to develop learners holistically by focusing on knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes. Launched in 2017, the CBC seeks to align education with the demands of the 21st century, preparing students to meet modern challenges and opportunities. As we navigate 2025, let’s delve deeper into the CBC’s structure and its impact on education in Kenya

Competencies Taught in Kenyan Schools

The CBC is designed to cultivate seven core competencies critical for personal and societal development:

• Communication and Collaboration: Learners are taught the art of effective communication and teamwork, essential for thriving in both personal and professional settings. Group projects, presentations, and peer discussions enhance their ability to express ideas and work harmoniously with others

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: At the heart of CBC is the drive to develop analytical minds. Students are encouraged to question, evaluate, and creatively solve problems. This competency equips them to tackle real-world challenges with innovation and resourcefulness.

• Imagination and Creativity: Creativity isn’t just an artistic endeavour—it’s a life skill. Through opportunities in art, music, drama, and other creative outlets, learners are inspired to think outside the box and embrace inventive solutions in diverse contexts.

• Citizenship: CBC emphasizes the importance of being an informed and responsible citizen. Lessons on cultural diversity, environmental stewardship, and national values nurture a sense of civic responsibility and patriotism, fostering unity and social cohesion.

• Digital Literacy: In today’s tech-driven world, digital proficiency is non-negotiable. Kenyan learners are equipped with essential technological skills, from navigating digital tools to understanding online safety, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of a globalized economy

• Learning to Learn: Education is a lifelong journey, and CBC encourages students to become self-driven learners. This competency nurtures curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to acquire new skills independently, traits vital for personal and professional growth.

• Self-Efficacy: Building confidence and resilience is a cornerstone of CBC. Learners are guided to set goals, take initiative, and believe in their abilities, cultivating a mindset that empowers them to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Learning Areas Covered

The CBC spans a wide range of subjects and practical disciplines. Core subjects include languages (English, Kiswahili, and indigenous languages), mathematics, science, social studies, and life skills. Additionally, creative arts, home science, agriculture, environmental conservation, and digital literacy ensure students receive a well-rounded education. For example, learners in lower grades might create crafts to develop fine motor skills, while older students engage in projects like coding or environmental activism.

The Competency-Based Curriculum Assessment System

The CBC structures education into three progressive levels:

Early Years Education: -

This foundational level comprises:

1. Pre-primary 1 (PP1) and Pre-primary 2 (PP2), catering to children aged 4 to 5 years.
2. Lower primary school, which includes Grades 1, 2, and 3 for learners aged 6 to 8 years.

This stage focuses on nurturing foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, social interactions, and creativity through play-based and experiential learning.

Middle School Education: -

Middle School is divided into two phases:

1. Upper Primary School (Grades 4 to 6): Learners engage in subjects like science, social studies, arts, and life skills while exploring their talents.
2. Junior Secondary School (Grades 7 to 9): This phase introduces more specialized subjects, encouraging critical thinking and preparation for advanced levels of learning.

The curriculum emphasizes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, ensuring learners develop well-rounded competencies.

Senior School Education:

Senior School is designed for learners aged 15 to 17 (Grades 10 to 12). years and offers pathways based on their interests, strengths, and aspirations. These pathways include:

1. Arts and Sports Science
2. Social Sciences
3. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

The goal at this stage is to prepare students for higher education, vocational training, or entrepreneurship. Learners focus on developing advanced skills tailored to their future careers.

How Grading Works

Grading in CBC relies on a continuous assessment model rather than one-time examinations. Evaluations include:

1. Classroom Activities: Group discussions, experiments, and problem-solving tasks
2. Projects and Portfolios: Documenting achievements over time.
3. Practical Assessments: Demonstrating learned skills in real-life scenarios. This approach ensures learners are assessed on academic abilities, creativity, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.

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The CBC Grading Scale

The CBC employs a descriptive grading scale that reflects competencies rather than numeric marks. The grading scale for early assessments typically includes:

1. Exceeds Expectations (EE): The learner demonstrates exceptional understanding and application of skills.
2. Meets Expectations (ME): The learner shows adequate competency and meets required learning outcomes.
3. Approaches Expectations (AE): The learner is making progress but requires improvement to meet competencies.
4. Below Expectations (BE): The learner needs significant support to reach expected outcomes.

For older learners in junior and senior levels, a percentage-based grading system is gradually introduced, complementing the competency levels.

The Future of Education in Kenya

The CBC represents a paradigm shift in Kenyan education, focusing on equipping learners with practical skills and competencies for the future. As parents, educators, and policymakers continue to work together, the CBC has the potential to transform Kenya’s human capital, fostering a generation that is confident, innovative, and adaptive in an ever-changing world.

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