Teachers in Nairobi Support Rollout of New Assessment Frameworks

A significant majority of teachers across Nairobi County have voiced strong support for the newly refined CBC assessment frameworks rolled out by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in November 2025—praising their simplicity, reduced paperwork, and learner-centred focus. The updated Assessment for Learning (AfL) Guidelines, now in pilot across 150 schools, replace complex rubrics with streamlined digital checklists on the CBC ePortfolio app, allowing teachers to record competencies via voice notes, photos, and short videos during classroom activities—cutting documentation time by an estimated 40%. Before, we spent more time ticking boxes than teaching. Now, assessment happens in the lesson—not after, said Grace Mwangi, a Grade 4 teacher at Makongeni Primary, during a KICD feedback forum in Eastlands. The new tools also introduce peer and self-assessment prompts for learners, fostering metacognition, and include differentiated tasks for learners with diverse needs—addressing long-standing inclusion gaps. Crucially, the frameworks decouple assessment from high-stakes ranking, focusing instead on growth trajectories. Nairobi Teachers’ Caucus chair Francis Ochieng noted overwhelming buy-in: In our survey of 1,200 members, 86% said the new tools feel practical, not punitive. KICD trained 8,500 Nairobi teachers in October–November through cluster-based workshops co-facilitated by mentor teachers—ensuring fidelity and confidence. Early data from pilot schools shows a 32% drop in teacher-reported stress linked to assessment. While challenges remain—especially internet access in informal settlements—offline sync and USSD-based logging (via 3030#) are bridging the gap. Education CECM Anne Waiguru called the shift a turning point in making CBC work for educators, not against them. With national rollout set for Term 1, 2026, Nairobi’s experience is poised to shape the next phase of Kenya’s curriculum transformation—proving that when teachers co-own reform, implementation soars.