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The government has reiterated its dedication to Competency-Based Education (CBE), characterizing it as a transformative model crucial to the nation’s development agenda.
Speaking during the launch at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba stated that CBE, also known as Elimu Thabiti, serves as the foundation of an inclusive, skills-oriented education system aimed at preparing learners for the realities of the 21st century.
โBehind every education reform is a child whose dreams rely on it. We are all part of this together,โ Ogamba remarked.
The CS further stressed that the CBE model is based on grassroots consultation and embodies the voices of communities nationwide.
โMathematics will now be mandatory across all senior secondary school pathways,โ said the CS, adding that the technical team will collaborate closely with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to facilitate its implementation.
Additionally, Ogamba encouraged educators to adopt a new teaching approach: โWe must abandon rote learning (the technique of memorizing information through repetition, rather than comprehending the underlying meaning or context).
Our emphasis is on dynamic, learner-centered strategies that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, he remarked.
In his comments, Basic Education PS Prof. Julius Bitok underscored that CBE is not merely an adjustment to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) but a comprehensive transformation of Kenyaโs educational framework.
โWe are no longer simply discussing curriculum; we are moving forward with a system-wide reform,โ Prof. Bitok pointed out.
The PS highlighted observations from county-level consultations, particularly mentioning Nakuru, where students displayed innovation and practical skills, showcasing the real-world impact of Competency Based Education (CBE).
โThis is not merely a curriculum change; it represents a national transformation and the future of our children depends on how we navigate this journey together, as CBE aligns with Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,โ he stated.
On her part, Higher Education and Research PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala noted that CBE also modifies teaching methodologies and learning settings.
โWe must shift away from instructing students to simply memorize. Instead, we should demonstrate how to apply what they learn, and they will retain it,โ she commented.
Dr. Inyangala emphasized the necessity of continual teacher retraining, active community involvement, and school programs adapted to local contexts as vital elements for the effective realization of the Competency-Based Education framework.
Meanwhile, efforts are already in progress for the national rollout. Universities, teacher training colleges, and curriculum development bodies are adjusting their frameworks to accommodate the first group of CBE learners anticipated to transition to university by 2029.
The Ministry is also dedicated to revising the adult education curriculum to align with CBE principles, ensuring that lifelong learning opportunities are pertinent and skill-oriented.
Moreover, initiatives are being developed to enhance teacher retooling efforts, with 291 teachers having received training thus far, and a national expansion is planned for the coming months.
At the same time, special needs education was highlighted as a priority, with the government committing to improve infrastructure and learning resources.