Nairobi, Kenya — The Kenyan government has unveiled a series of ambitious reforms to ensure the successful transition from the 8-4-4 education system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), signaling a transformative shift in the country’s education sector. The first cohort of Grade 9 CBC learners began classes on January 6, 2025, marking a critical milestone ahead of the 2027 administration of the final Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) under the old system. Government officials, led by Education Cabinet Secretary Dr. Isaac Mwaura, emphasized that these changes aim to provide every student with access to well-resourced schools, adequately trained teachers, and modern learning materials.
The reforms include the construction of 14,500 classrooms out of a targeted 16,000, alongside additional science labs and learning facilities to accommodate the increasing student population. To address teacher shortages, 56,000 permanent educators and 20,000 interns have been employed, with plans to recruit another 6,000 teachers to ensure continuity and quality of learning. In addition, over 9.9 million textbooks have already been distributed to Grade 9 learners, while capitation grants worth Sh48 billion have been disbursed to schools to support smooth learning. Mid-year KCSE exams have also been introduced to provide opportunities for learners to retake exams or catch up on missed assessments, reflecting the government’s focus on inclusivity.
Stakeholders have welcomed the reforms as a crucial step toward a modern, skills-oriented education system. Education experts, parents, and civil society groups have praised the government for prioritizing infrastructure, teacher training, and inclusive learning tools, including orbit readers for visually impaired students. While some have raised concerns about resource gaps and the readiness of schools to fully implement CBC, officials remain confident that the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission, and the National Treasury will ensure a smooth transition. Looking ahead, the CBC framework is expected to produce learners equipped with practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a strong foundation for higher education and employment in Kenya’s evolving economy.