As Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) prepares for its historic rollout to senior secondary schools in 2026, education stakeholders are calling for stronger measures to support learners with special needs. Parents, teachers, and advocacy groups have raised concerns that many public schools remain ill-equipped to accommodate students requiring inclusive learning environments, highlighting the urgent need for specialized teachers, accessible infrastructure, and adaptive learning tools. The government has acknowledged these gaps, prompting renewed dialogue on ensuring equity in the new education system.
The CBC, introduced in 2017, has reshaped Kenya’s education landscape by emphasizing skills mastery, personalized learning, and flexible pathways into STEM, social sciences, or arts and sports tracks. With the first large-scale senior secondary cohort set to begin in January 2026, challenges such as limited teacher capacity and insufficient classroom resources have come to the fore. Reports indicate that many schools lack ramps, assistive devices, and trained personnel to support learners with disabilities. Meanwhile, parents and civil society groups argue that CBC’s adaptive framework provides an opportunity to redesign assessments and teaching methods to cater to all learners if adequate support is provided.
Reactions from educators and parents have been mixed but vocal. Teacher unions and parent associations stress the need for urgent recruitment and training of specialized teachers, while advocacy groups are calling for government funding to improve infrastructure and ensure equitable access to learning tools. Experts predict that the success of CBC’s senior secondary rollout will hinge on addressing these gaps promptly, emphasizing that inclusive education is not just a requirement for compliance but a critical factor in preparing Kenya’s youth for future employment and societal participation. As the nation approaches this pivotal educational milestone, the spotlight remains on whether policy and practice can align to deliver an education system that truly leaves no child behind.