NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Education has officially rebranded the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) as the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, signaling a renewed focus on skill-based learning and practical competencies in Kenyan schools. The move, announced in early December 2025, comes as the government intensifies efforts to fully transition learners from the 8-4-4 system, with the last Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) under the old model scheduled for 2027.
Government officials explained that the name change reflects a broader vision to emphasize the application of knowledge, innovation, and critical thinking. The first cohort of learners affected by this reform, currently in Grade 9, will progress to senior secondary in 2026, with schools offering specialized pathways in STEM, Social Sciences, Arts, and Sports. Dr. Isaac Mwaura, Government Spokesperson, highlighted that alongside the rebranding, the government has invested heavily in infrastructure and staffing, including the construction of thousands of classrooms, employment of tens of thousands of teachers, and distribution of millions of textbooks to ensure a smooth rollout.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the shift, noting that the new CBE framework underscores Kenya’s commitment to a modern, inclusive education system tailored to individual learners’ talents. Analysts say the change is more than cosmetic, positioning the nation to produce students equipped with practical skills and competencies for higher education, entrepreneurship, and the evolving job market.