Kenya’s education system is undergoing a significant transformation with the widespread adoption of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), a move aimed at equipping learners with practical skills and critical thinking abilities. Across the Central Region, 99 percent of classrooms earmarked for CBC implementation have been completed, allowing thousands of pupils to access learning spaces designed to support hands-on and learner-centered education. Education officials say the initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to improve learning outcomes and better prepare students for the demands of higher education and the job market.
For pupils, the shift means more interactive lessons, group projects, and assessments that evaluate not just academic knowledge but also practical competencies. Teachers, on the other hand, are undergoing extensive retooling programs through the Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) to adjust teaching methods and assessment strategies. Central Region Education Director, Sabina Aroni, explained that teachers are now better equipped to guide students through the new curriculum, and schools are being supplied with adequate textbooks based on verified enrolment data. Despite challenges such as limited land in some schools, authorities have adapted by building multi-story classrooms, ensuring that large institutions like Mwiki Primary School can accommodate their growing student populations.
The shift has received positive reactions from educators and parents, who note that CBC encourages creativity, problem-solving, and independent thinking among students. Meanwhile, the government continues to streamline funding for schools through capitation grants, ensuring that verified institutions receive resources promptly. As Kenya fully embraces competency-based education, pupils and teachers alike are entering a new era focused on practical learning, skill development, and holistic student growth.