Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenyan government has invested KSh85.5 billion in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in primary schools since its rollout in 2016, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has revealed. The funding, spanning nine financial years, aims to enhance learning outcomes by equipping students with practical skills and knowledge aligned with modern education standards. In addition to infrastructure, the investment has supported teacher training, instructional materials, and classroom resources across the country.
According to CS Ogamba, KSh61.66 billion has been specifically allocated to Junior Schools over the past two years, while secondary education has received KSh310 billion through capitation for over 19 million learners. The government has also spent billions on CBC coursebooks, rationalized curriculum designs, and assessment tools, ensuring that every student has access to learning materials. Ongoing projects include the construction of over 11,000 Grade 9 classrooms and the establishment of Learning Resource Centres, with collaboration from the National Government Constituency Development Fund to expand classroom capacity further.
The rollout of CBC has elicited positive reactions from teachers and education stakeholders who view it as a transformative approach that prioritizes skills development over rote memorization. Schools have repurposed existing classrooms to accommodate new grade levels, while over 76,000 teachers have been recruited and trained to deliver the curriculum effectively. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Education plans to address remaining infrastructure gaps and continue the deployment of teaching resources, ensuring a seamless transition as students progress through Kenya’s reformed education system.