NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Education has announced an expansion of senior school subjects from seven to ten, marking a significant adjustment in Kenya’s ongoing Competency-Based Education (CBE) reforms. Under the new framework, Mathematics will now be a compulsory subject, while Physical Education (PE), Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, and Religious Instruction (RI) will be taught but not included in national examinations.
Education officials explained that the expansion aims to provide learners with a more balanced curriculum that strengthens core skills while promoting holistic development. The new approach emphasizes practical competencies alongside academic knowledge, reflecting the government’s efforts to produce well-rounded graduates equipped for modern economic and social challenges. Schools are expected to adjust timetables and resources to accommodate the additional subjects, while teachers undergo training to deliver the revised curriculum effectively.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions from educators and stakeholders. Some teachers expressed concern that subjects taught but not tested may receive less attention in classrooms, potentially undermining their intended value. Others welcomed the move, arguing that compulsory subjects like Maths and ICT will better prepare students for university and the job market. Education analysts note that the success of this reform will depend on adequate teacher preparation, resource allocation, and monitoring to ensure all subjects, tested or not, are meaningfully taught.