MOMBASA, Kenya — As Kenya gears up for the full implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, the government has finalized plans to ensure a smooth transition for 1.2 million pupils joining junior secondary schools in January 2026. Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Professor George Magoha emphasized that the learner-centered curriculum equips students with critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for the competitive job market.
Speaking at the 25th Kenya Private Schools Association Conference in Mombasa, CS Magoha highlighted the role of private schools in the transition, allowing them to operate stand-alone junior secondary schools provided they meet registration requirements. The government has already constructed 6,500 units in public schools, with plans to complete an additional 14,500 classrooms out of the 20,000 targeted nationwide. Principal Secretary for Curriculum Reform Implementation, Professor Fatuma Chege, stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in facilitating seamless transitions and maintaining high education standards.
Stakeholders welcomed the government’s proactive approach, with teachers urged to ensure schools are registered and adequately prepared to accommodate incoming students. CS Magoha also reminded educators to avoid retaining pupils in their previous schools to ensure equity in access. With ongoing infrastructure expansion, teacher training, and regulatory oversight, the Ministry of Education aims to provide every learner with access to quality education under the CBE framework, setting a foundation for Kenya’s future-ready workforce.