The Ministry of Education has pulled the plug on the controversial Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and unveiled a bold new system – Competency-Based Education (CBE) – signaling a dramatic shift in Kenya’s academic future.
The bombshell announcement was made during a high-stakes National Conversation Forum on Education on Thursday, April 24, where Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok shook the nation with the declaration that CBC is being scrapped and replaced effective immediately.
“Curriculum isn’t written in stone. Today, we make history – we’re done with CBC and stepping into a new era with CBE,” Bitok proclaimed with conviction.
The Ministry is now racing to bring parents and key stakeholders on board, urging for nationwide unity in embracing this radical transformation. The government insists this move will revolutionize how Kenyan children are taught – focusing on real-world skills, affordability, and accessibility.
What’s Changing? Everything.
- 📉 Complex math? Out. Simplified math is now compulsory across the board – but with a twist. STEM students will take on pure math, while others will tackle a less intense version.
- 🎯 Focus shift: Students will now be guided by their passions and strengths, with CBE zeroing in on practical skills and entrepreneurship over rigid academics.
- 🧑🏫 Teachers on alert: Educators will undergo intense retraining to align with the new competency-based approach. No one is being left behind – or spared.
- 🏫 Schools rebranded: Institutions will be classified as either triple pathway or double pathway schools. Triple pathway schools will offer all three academic directions: STEM, Arts & Sports, and Social Sciences, while double pathway schools will only offer two.
- 🎭 Facilities boost: Investments in technical, arts, and sports training will skyrocket to equip schools for the demands of CBE.
As the dust settles on this stunning policy pivot, one thing is clear – Kenya’s education system will never be the same again. The government is calling for bold collaboration and feedback as it builds what it calls “a modern, student-first academic experience.”
