Nairobi, Kenya — In a historic move, Kenyan secondary schools will not admit new Form One students for the first time since 1985, signaling the full transition from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The phase-out began with the last cohort of Standard 8 learners in 2023, and 2024 saw the suspension of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams. Under the new system, Grade 9 students, traditionally first-year secondary learners, will remain within primary schools, creating a significant shift in school operations and funding.
Secondary schools are expected to face financial strain, as they lose capitation funds previously provided under the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) initiative. Administrators warn that fixed operational costs, such as staff salaries and utilities, will persist despite declining student numbers. The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) has called on the government to release Sh64 billion in pending funds to prevent budgetary shortfalls. Meanwhile, primary schools are preparing for an influx of Grade 9 students, receiving Sh15,042 per student, though challenges including teacher shortages and inadequate infrastructure remain pressing concerns.
The reforms are also affecting Kenya’s educational supply chain. Bookstores, publishers, and suppliers are adjusting to reduced demand for textbooks, calculators, and other resources. Some stakeholders suggest accommodating Grade 9 students in secondary school facilities to optimize resources. The Kenya Primary School Heads Association (Kepsha) remains cautiously optimistic, highlighting improvements in classroom construction, learning materials, and teacher allocations. As the CBC rollout continues, the Ministry of Education faces the critical task of ensuring smooth fund disbursement and infrastructure readiness, marking a new chapter in Kenya’s education landscape.