NAIROBI, Kenya — The level of preparedness among private schools for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) transition came under sharp focus on Friday during the fourth edition of the Private Schools Expo and Conference held at the Sarit Expo Centre. The event, themed Nurturing Learners for a Sustainable Tomorrow, brought together educators, career experts, and school administrators to assess the sector’s readiness ahead of major policy shifts expected in 2026. A panel moderated by education advocate Wangeci Muriuki featured Makini School Head of Careers Immaculate Musambai, St. Mary’s School Nairobi Dean of Studies Millicent Kakayi, Igniting Gems Mentorship Founder Njoroge Maina, and Laiser Hill School Director Advocate Pallan Manraj, who dissected learning pathways, teacher preparedness, and the capacity gaps schools are yet to bridge.
Speakers at the conference acknowledged that while private institutions generally enjoy better resources and flexibility, many still face challenges aligning their programmes to the newly refined curriculum requirements. Concerns ranged from shortages of specialised teachers—especially in STEM and technical subjects—to the slow rollout of learning materials for senior school pathways. Schools also noted a need for stronger mentorship structures, arguing that CBC’s focus on talent development and career guidance demands closer support for learners as early as junior school. Administrators highlighted that the curriculum’s practical components require investment in laboratories, creative arts spaces, and digital learning tools, which remain uneven across institutions.
Despite these gaps, panelists expressed optimism, saying the sector is moving in the right direction and is better positioned to innovate where public institutions face delays. They called on the Ministry of Education and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to deepen engagement with private schools, particularly on assessments, policy clarity, and teacher training. Stakeholders at the expo agreed that the success of CBC—now transitioning to a refined Competency-Based Education (CBE) approach—will depend on sustained collaboration between government, educators, and parents. With one year left before the next major transition, the event underscored rising pressure on schools to demonstrate readiness as learners, parents, and teachers anxiously await further government guidance.