Kenya has officially begun the transition from the long-standing 8-4-4 education system to the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), marking a historic shift in the country’s educational landscape. Starting in 2025, no new Form One students will be admitted to secondary schools under the old system, as the first cohort of junior secondary students begins their studies within primary school campuses. The move affects thousands of learners nationwide and signals a major realignment in school operations, funding, and curriculum delivery.
The 8-4-4 system, introduced in 1985, structured education into eight years of primary school, four years of secondary education, and four years of university. It was designed to provide accessible education, reduce teenage pregnancies by extending school duration for girls, and prepare students for higher education and the workforce. However, over the decades, the system faced criticism for its heavy workload, limited focus on practical skills, and unequal access across regions. The CBC, rolled out gradually since 2017, follows a 2-6-3-3-3 structure—two years of pre-primary, six years of primary, three years of junior secondary, three years of senior secondary, and a minimum of three years of tertiary education. The new system emphasizes competency, career-path exploration, and inclusion for learners with special educational needs.
Reactions from educators, parents, and policymakers have been mixed. While many applaud the shift as a forward-looking reform that aligns learning with real-world skills, some secondary school administrators express concern over financial shortfalls as the first-year absence of Form One students reduces capitation funding. Primary school headteachers, meanwhile, are preparing to accommodate the new Grade 9 students, with adjustments to budgets, classrooms, and teaching staff. Educational associations like the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (Kepsha) have called for careful management of funds to ensure a smooth transition, while parents are encouraged to actively engage in their children’s learning pathway decisions.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Education is focused on strengthening infrastructure, recruiting qualified teachers, and providing learning resources to support the CBC rollout. The government aims to create a seamless system where learners gain practical skills, ethical grounding, and readiness for higher education or the workforce. Experts suggest that, if effectively implemented, the CBC could transform Kenya’s education system into a more inclusive and innovative model, capable of meeting the demands of the 21st century and empowering the next generation of Kenyans.