A new education study has revealed that the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya’s junior schools continues to face significant hurdles, despite the government’s commitment to shifting learning from memorization to practical skill development. The research, conducted by Dr. Betty Cheruiyot of the University of Eldoret and published in the East African Journal of Education Studies, identifies inadequate teacher preparedness, limited learning resources, and infrastructural deficits as the chief obstacles slowing the transition. Education stakeholders say the findings reflect growing concerns from classrooms across the country, as the system struggles to support learners under the new curriculum.
According to the study, many teachers feel ill-equipped to deliver CBC as intended, largely due to insufficient training and limited opportunities for professional development. Dr. Cheruiyot notes that workshops offered in the early stages of CBC rollout were overly theoretical and failed to address the practical realities of learner-centered teaching. This mismatch has led to inconsistencies in how various schools interpret and apply CBC principles. The report further highlights glaring disparities in learning resources, particularly in rural and marginalized counties, where shortages of textbooks, digital devices, and science equipment remain widespread. In several schools, overcrowded classrooms and unreliable internet connectivity also make it difficult to conduct project-based assessments or integrate digital learning—key pillars of the CBC design.
The study has sparked renewed debate on Kenya’s readiness to fully transition to CBC, with parents, teachers, and education experts calling for urgent government action. Stakeholders argue that without sustained investment in infrastructure, digital tools, and teacher training, learners may not reap the intended benefits of the curriculum. The Ministry of Education has welcomed the findings, saying they provide crucial insights as the country prepares for the next phase of CBC reforms, including the senior school rollout. Experts caution that the success of the system will depend on meaningful stakeholder engagement and consistent funding to bridge existing inequalities. As Kenya continues to refine its education model, the study underscores a shared hope: that with coordinated effort and adequate support, CBC can equip young learners with the competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.