𝐂𝐒 𝐎𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚 announces the introduction of CBE as he 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦s

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.

“Behind every education reform is a child whose dreams rely on it. We are all part of this together,” Ogamba remarked.

The CS further stressed that the CBE model is based on grassroots consultation and embodies the voices of communities nationwide.

“Mathematics will now be mandatory across all senior secondary school pathways,” 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: “We 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 Kenya’s educational framework.

“We are no longer simply discussing curriculum; we are moving forward with a system-wide reform,” 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).

“This 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,” he stated.

On her part, Higher Education and Research PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala noted that CBE also modifies teaching methodologies and learning settings.

“We must shift away from instructing students to simply memorize. Instead, we should demonstrate how to apply what they learn, and they will retain it,” 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.

The future of 400,000 pupils attending badly administered colleges is up in the air.

Things you should know:

• Political favoritism and ethnic considerations in appointments, according to Ogamba, led to failure.
• The CS stated that council appointments will now be subject to security background investigations.

A parliamentary committee learned that over 400,000 pupils—or 60% of all students in public universities—are enrolled in institutions with poor management.
According to Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba, who informed the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education that 21 of the 43 universities in Kenya are poorly managed.

The selection of Vice Chancellors and Council Members in higher education establishments, he claimed, was influenced by ethnic and political patronage.
Due to governance problems and political favoritism, 21 universities are performing poorly while 20 are performing well, Mr. Ogamba informed the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education of the National Assembly, which is headed by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka.

“Over 60 percent, or 400,000, of the over 800,000 students enrolled are in the 21 non-performing universities,” Mr. Ogamba stated.

“What would we do with the students in these 21 universities if we were to murder them, as proposed by the member for Imenti Central (Moses Kirima)?” Mr. Ogamba questioned.
Mr. Kirima had requested that students be transferred to other well-performing universities and that the failing universities be closed.

Mr Ogamba informed the committee, which was led by Mr Wamboka, on Friday, April 25, 2025, that the Ministry has begun working to guarantee that applicants for council appointments will henceforth be subjected to security background checks by authorities in order to assess their fitness.
The Ministry is currently examining the qualifications of all University Councils to ensure that every member is competent to manage the institutions of higher learning, according to Mr. Ogamba.

Twenty-one of the forty-three universities are in trouble. In order to make sure that Council Members are competent, we have not yet chosen them for several colleges. We are currently conducting background checks on prospective council members.

“Before being hired, members of the University Council must submit to background checks. The committee should be aware that 21 of the 43 university councils have issues, as we are currently looking at six of them.

Mr. Ogamba addressed the committee on overarching topics such as the non-remittance of statutory deductions, the operation of public universities and the Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) without Governing Councils, stalled projects, the rejection of Vice-Chancellors upon their return from leave, ethnic and gender balance in staffing and appointments, and officers who have been in acting positions for more than six months.
The lack of ethnic and gender balance in appointments and personnel, as well as the fact that many universities are functioning without Governing Councils, have all been raised by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu.

The Cabinet Secretary informed parliamentarians that the lengthy procedure of selecting vice chancellors and councils has been brought about by the need to guarantee that competent candidates are chosen for the open positions.

“Political patronage or governance challenges have caused the issues in our higher education institutions. We are now conducting background checks to ascertain who manages our higher education establishments,” Mr. Ogamba stated.

“When appointing university council’s and board of TVETs institutions, we make an effort to follow the Constitutional requirements regarding fairness, regional and gender balance, merit, and competition,”

Mr. Ogamba informed lawmakers that the boards and councils have crucial oversight responsibilities in the administration of organizations tasked with policy development, strategic direction, financial oversight, and institutional accountability.
Mr. Ogamba said, “As a result, it is essential to select the correct individuals, with the appropriate combination of skills, and in a way that complies with the law.”

“The majority of our university councils are now complete. There are just six public institutions with openings for two to three students. The others either have all of their members or are missing only one, he stated.

“We are still in the process of recruiting to ensure the right mix of skills, gender, and ethnicity, so the vacancies have not yet been filled. The recruitment process, which is currently underway, will be used to fill these vacancies.

He stated that following the completion of the recruitment procedures by the Public Service Commission (PSC), the university councils will receive the application and then confer with the Cabinet Secretary prior to making any appointments.

In addition to merit, the critical consultations involve gender and geographic balance to make sure that senior management appointments represent the face of Kenya and gender inclusivity, according to Mr. Ogamba.

CS Ogamba issues ultimatum to principals withholding Form Four certificates

Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba has delivered a severe warning to Secondary School Principals retaining students’ Form Four certificates due to incomplete payment of school fees.

He mentioned that his office had notified Principals to release the certificates without any conditions, and the timeframe for compliance has lapsed without adherence from the Principals.

“I urge head teachers to comply with that directive immediately when schools reopen,” he stated.

The CS expressed these remarks at Marani Catholic Parish as he joined other leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, to fundraise for the construction of the Parish, describing the act as unlawful.
The Deputy President advocated for unity within the nation to ensure that the government can operate effectively and distribute its projects fairly across the country.

He dismissed President Ruto’s critics, asserting that his Kenya Kwanza government has successfully completed numerous projects throughout the nation in just two years and expressed hope for further achievements before the 2026 general elections.

“We acknowledge we have accomplished some positive results since your election of us, yet there are additional tasks remaining that require your patience as we seek to complete them,” he remarked.

The meeting received attendance from several other government officials, including Internal Security CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa, and Kuria MP Mathias Robi.

Present from the Gusii region were MPs such as Senator Richard Onyonka, Japhet Mokaya, Kitutu Chache North MP, Steve Mogaka, West Mugirango MP, Patrick Osero, North Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, South Mugirango, and Kisii County Woman Representative Donya Aburi.

Mathias Rioba emphasized the significance of the Church as it provides spiritual nourishment and solace to all individuals.
Robi noted that the church significantly contributes to the development of schools, augmenting government efforts, and promised to collaborate with the church for that shared goal of progress.

According to Ogamba, KMTC students cannot borrow money from Helb.

The Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, informed Parliament that students at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) have not been receiving funds from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) because of a budget shortfall.

Some universities and training institutions, according to Ogamba, were outside the purview of the ministry and managed their budgets through the appropriate ministries.

The CS told the National Assembly’s Education and Health committees that HELB received Sh84.5 billion in funding for this financial year, compared to a need of Sh138.5 billion.

The budget allotted to HELB for financing students is often for a predetermined number of students in universities and other colleges, and the estimates are based on data from universities and other institutions under the Ministry of Education, he said, adding that he would want to notify Parliament that HELB provides estimates for both new and returning students.

According to Ogamba, HELB has given KMTC Sh1.2 billion in assistance in 2022/2023, using funds made available by the college via the Ministry of Health.

Earlier, the CS stated that HELB gave KMTC students Sh468 million in loans between 2014 and 2019 with USAID’s backing and that the ministry’s policy was to help all students seeking higher education.

The elephant in the room is that HELB should be given the responsibility of supporting all students in higher education institutions, that funding must follow, and that it is obvious that we have not denied financing to students in higher education institutions while still struggling to stay within budget, he added.

The KMTC, which has 68,000 students spread across 90 campuses throughout the nation, is required by the Constitution to provide support for its students, according to CEO Kelly Oluoch, who testified before lawmakers.

The exclusion of the college from regular funding raises fundamental questions about equity, equality, and non-discrimination, which are firmly rooted in the Kenyan Constitution of 2010. Article 27 of the Constitution states that everyone is equal before the law.

The State may be failing in its constitutional obligation to promote equal educational possibilities by HELB limiting financial support to students at institutions under the Ministry of Education, he argued.

“Currently, KMTC is constantly looking for financial help to make sure that no student misses out on education, and we have an unpaid school fee debt of Sh1.5 billion. According to our data, 27% of our students postpone their education because they cannot afford the tuition, and 34% of those who are accepted do not show up.

CS Ogamba Clarifies the Situation on Making Mathematics an Optional Subject

Following days of increasing public pressure and confusion, the Ministry of Education has amended its contentious suggestion to make Mathematics an optional subject within the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba clarified the situation during the CBC National Conversation event that took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, April 24.

“The majority of the stakeholders during the CBC dialogue felt that Mathematics ought to be required in senior school,” Ogamba stated.

“We have taken your concerns into account, consulted with KICD, and come to a conclusion that some version of Mathematics will be mandatory for the other two pathways. ”

This clarification comes after a surge of criticism from educational stakeholders, parents, and the general public, many of whom expressed worries regarding the long-term effects of de-emphasizing a crucial subject such as Mathematics in senior school.

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Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok also supported the ministry’s position, asserting that Mathematics continues to be a mandatory subject in both junior and senior schools across all pathways.
“There is no ambiguity,” Bitok remarked. “Mathematics is fundamental and will persist as a core subject. ”

The initial suggestion to render Mathematics optional in senior secondary for non-STEM pathways was withdrawn after thorough consultations with educational experts, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and several public forums.
While Ogamba’s wording—“some form of mathematics”—still caused some skepticism online, the central message was unmistakable: the subject is here to stay.

Critics had previously expressed concerns that diluting math would put students at a disadvantage when it comes to real-world problem-solving and future employment.

The Ministry now faces the challenge of making sure that the revised Mathematics curriculum in non-STEM tracks is practical, relevant, and in line with national educational objectives.
For the moment, the government seems to have made a complete turnaround—and Kenyans are observing how this vital subject will be put into action moving forward.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has pledged that no deserving student will be denied university education due to lack of fees, saying the government will cover any shortfall.

Ogamba says the government is committed to strengthening governance and financial sustainability in public universities.

He noted that insolvent universities have dropped from 23 to 14, with full recovery expected in the next two to three years.

The CS credited reforms such as the student-centered funding model and fee cuts of up to 40% for easing the burden on families.

Looking ahead, the CS announced that next week, a national conference will be held in Mombasa to align university and tertiary education programs with market-driven job skills.

Kenyatta University Council Chairman Dr. Ben Chumo welcomed the new council members and thanked the CS for his support, noting the institution’s central role in Kenya’s education system with nearly 50,000 students enrolled.

On basic education, CS Ogamba further revealed that the government is conducting a nationwide verification of student and school data following an Auditor General’s report questioning past records. Over 15,000 schools have already been verified to ensure accurate capitation disbursement and evidence-based policy decisions.

“This verification will enable us to plan better and avoid past challenges with delayed or insufficient capitation. Once the exercise is complete, we will have reliable data to make more effective decisions,” CS Ogamba added.

The CS thanked the media for amplifying government efforts and assured continued transparency and accountability in the education sector reforms.

CS Ogamba Issues Directive on School Title Deeds

Today, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba told all Regional, County, and Sub-County Education Officers to make sure that schools in their areas get title deeds within a year.

He explained that many schools lack title deeds, which makes it hard for them to develop and provide a good learning environment for students. He mentioned that land that was taken away has been returned to the schools.

“We asked our directors to check all schools and find out which ones don’t have title deeds so we can help them get the necessary documents with the help of the Ministry of Lands,” he said.

Ogamba’s View on Land Grabbing in Schools

Many public schools are at risk because they don’t have legal proof of ownership, making them vulnerable to land grabbers.

A 2023 study by the Shule Yangu campaign found that only 11,974 out of 32,643 public schools—about 37 percent—have title deeds. This means over 20,000 schools are at risk of land fraud and other illegal activities.

CS Alice Wahome Warns Against Land Grabbing

Lands CS Alice Wahome has also set up regional teams to tackle land grabbing and urged school leaders to quickly submit property records.

“We are not just protecting land; we are protecting education,” she said.

A senior member of the National Lands Commission pointed out that religious organizations that hold original titles face delays and issues with coordination between the Ministry of Land, the National Land Commission, and the Survey of Kenya, which slow down the process.

“Land grabbing continues because of gaps in the system. We need a unified land policy and database,” he said.

As of 2019, only 30 percent of 32,354 public schools had title deeds, leaving over 22,648 schools at risk. About 4,100 schools have reported being in danger.

This news comes after reports that eight acres of land belonging to Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital have been taken over by an unknown private developer, who has put up a temporary fence around the unprotected area.

Education CS Julius Ogamba Reinstates Mathematics as a Mandated Subject

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has instructed that a form of mathematics be restored as a mandated subject in senior secondary schools.

In remarks made during the National Conversation on the Competency-Based Curriculum on Thursday, Ogamba disclosed that the ministry has listened to the stakeholders’ concerns and concluded that a form of mathematics should be made mandatory across all pathways.

“The majority of the stakeholders during the CBC dialogue felt that mathematics should be mandatory in senior school. We have heeded your concerns, consulted with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and have resolved that a form of mathematics be made requisite for the other two pathways that are not STEM,” Ogamba instructed.

As per the CS, with this new directive, students who selected the STEM pathway will engage in pure maths, while the other two pathways will incorporate a simplified version of mathematics.

“We will have the STEM pathways offering pure maths and the other two pathways featuring a form of maths so that mathematics is included in all three pathways in senior school,” the CS elucidated.

In contrast to the 8-4-4 curriculum, where mathematics was an obligatory subject, the ministry had earlier allowed senior school students the option to forgo the subject based on their chosen pathways.

The ministry categorized the pathways into three: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), allowing students in the first two pathways the opportunity to bypass maths.

Ogamba, however, has overturned this decision and mandated that these two pathways will include some form of mathematics.

His decision to reverse the ruling follows discussions that sparked intense debates among Kenyans and relevant stakeholders, who argued that this was an unwise decision that could create challenges impacting Kenya’s workforce and economic viability.

The CS assured Kenyans and stakeholders that their perspectives regarding the education system are appreciated, and the Ministry takes them into account as part of efforts to refine the CBC curriculum, which has faced criticism.

“It is a crucial aspect that we have focused on the views of Kenyans, and it is vital input that has emerged from the stakeholders to demonstrate that stakeholder dialogue matters,” Ogamba stated.

Ogamba has urged stakeholders and the broader Kenyan community to endorse this new initiative.

Currently, the CS and Principal Secretary Julius Bitok are diligently addressing the CBC transition in Kenya. Their aim is to guarantee quality education and resolve issues such as teacher preparedness, school infrastructure, and public concerns regarding CBC execution.