Kenya’s secondary education system is set for its biggest transformation yet as the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) enters Senior School in January 2026. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the pioneer CBC cohort—currently in Grade 9—will transition to Grade 10 under a new structure introducing three learning pathways: STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports. The move marks the official rollout of Senior School, which will accommodate Grades 10 to 12 and replace the traditional 8-4-4 model that secondary schools have used for nearly four decades.
The transition comes after months of preparatory work, including nationwide teacher retooling efforts. According to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), educators assigned to Senior School will undergo specialised CBC training between July 28 and August 15, 2025, equipping them with the skills required to deliver the new pathways. At the same time, the government has initiated a large-scale infrastructure upgrade, announcing plans to construct 1,600 new physical laboratories in schools lacking science facilities. An additional 2,000 virtual laboratories will also be installed to support STEM learning, especially in institutions with limited physical space or resources.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the rollout, noting that the Senior School reforms are designed to offer learners more personalised academic journeys. Placement into pathways will be guided partly by performance in the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) administered at the end of Grade 9. Parents, teachers, and student groups have expressed mixed reactions—some praising the system for recognising diverse talents, while others remain worried about school readiness, teacher workloads, and the financial burden associated with infrastructure upgrades and new learning materials.
Looking ahead, the Ministry has assured the public that clear guidelines for Senior School implementation—covering subjects, assessment, and learner progression—have already been released. The reforms also signal the gradual end of the long-standing KCSE exam, whose final sitting under the 8-4-4 system is scheduled for 2027. As Kenya prepares for this pivotal shift, education officials say their focus is now on ensuring smooth implementation, adequate funding, and continuous engagement with school communities. The success of the 2026 transition, they note, will determine how effectively the country embraces CBC’s vision of nurturing skilled, innovative, and adaptable learners.