Ministry of Education Transitions CBC to CBE

The Ministry of Education has officially transitioned from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to Competency-Based Education (CBE) in order to simplify learning pathways and make education more affordable, accessible, and practical for learners.

While speaking at the National Conversation Forum on Education on Thursday, April 24, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok officiated the transition, disclosing that it involved a review of certain elements of CBC.

“Curriculum is dynamic, and we have an opportunity to review some aspects of our curriculum. I am pleased to announce that today marks the official launch of the new identity from CBC to CBE,” the PS stated.

The Ministry, which is presently engaging parents and relevant stakeholders in discussions regarding the CBE transition, has urged them to support it while reaffirming the government’s dedication to its successful execution.

With the new transition, both parents and students are expected to notice changes in how learners are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to succeed in the 21st-century economy.

“The future of our children’s education is fundamentally our collective responsibility. I encourage all stakeholders to actively engage in similar discussions, provide constructive feedback, and help shape educational policies that cater to the best interests of every learner,” the PS stressed.

One significant change that students will experience is a simplification of the mathematics subject, which had been previously rendered optional. Nevertheless, the Ministry has reintroduced it as mandatory, albeit with modifications.

Mathematics will remain required in senior school, but students selecting the STEM pathway will take pure mathematics, while those opting for the other two pathways will pursue a simplified version of mathematics.

CBE will concentrate on students’ strengths, interests, and practical skills, preparing them for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

It will also emphasize teachers and schools, with educators undergoing enhanced training to ensure they are adequately prepared to deliver competency-based learning.

School facilities, especially in technical, arts, and sports education, will be improved to guarantee that students have all they need for CBE.

The classification of schools will also undergo changes, with institutions categorized as either “triple pathway” or “double pathway” based on their capability to provide CBC career pathways.

Triple pathway schools offer all three career pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Arts and Sports Science; and Social Sciences. Double pathway schools provide only two of the three pathways, typically STEM and Social Sciences or STEM and Arts and Sports Science.

The discussion surrounding CBE is not new; the Ministry continues to engage stakeholders to ensure that the curriculum is refined to enhance education for all Kenyans.

Education Ministry emphasizes recommendations from education stakeholders during CBE forum

The Ministry of Education has received highlights from the report of county stakeholder dialogues on Competency-Based Education (CBE) conducted in 2025.

The report was shared during The National Conversation on CBE that took place on 24th April 2025 in Nairobi. This conversation featured teachers and pertinent ministry officials who are involved at the grassroots level in executing the curriculum.

During the event’s opening, Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba stated that the county dialogues aimed to update stakeholders about the current status of CBE implementation and to provide a platform for stakeholders to participate in validating the transition guidelines from Junior School to senior school.

The issues raised during the County Dialogues 2025 include a national readiness audit that entails assessing senior schools and their preparedness for implementing pathways.

CS Ogamba mentioned that the matter has been addressed, with the government conducting a thorough assessment to ensure a seamless transition for Grade 9 learners to senior secondary school. This year, the MOE will build 1,600 laboratories for schools lacking them, which will be completed before the year concludes.

The selection process for Grade 9 students will commence on May 20, following the students’ completion of the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA).

“I encourage all of you – especially teachers, parents, and guardians – to adequately guide our Grade 9 candidates as they begin to select their Senior Schools of choice. This process will commence on May 20, 2025,” stated the CS.

The stakeholders also requested capacity building; the MoE has initiated infrastructure mapping, prioritized the distribution of STEM equipment, and training for teachers in STEM is currently ongoing through CEMASTEA.

Additionally, stakeholders called for the stabilization and localization of the curriculum. They urged the government to reduce frequent reviews and tailor content to improve its local relevance.

Prof. Charles Ochieng’ Ong’ondo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), stated that they have completed the rationalization of the curriculum. The government has also devised career guidelines that are now ready to be shared.

Teaching and learning materials for rationalized areas are also prepared for distribution. The KICD is also planning to conduct a needs assessment within the financial year 2024/2025.

The MOE is relying on local and TV platforms for the empowerment of all education stakeholders; they have also translated guidelines for parental engagement into Kiswahili.

Regarding assistive materials and infrastructure, the government has set up a factory to produce assistive devices at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).

The stakeholders also expressed concerns about assessment integrity and fairness; the government has implemented standardized grading, ongoing training for teachers, school-based assessment on administrative SBA, updates on scores, and records. Schools have also been utilizing parents’ Annual General Meetings for sensitization.

The government has also prepared career guidance for junior and pre-vocational schools, and these materials are ready to be shared.
During his final remarks, the CS mentioned that the most significant takeaway from the discussion has been the decision to make mathematics a mandatory subject for all students in Senior School.

“We have established a technical team that will collaborate with experts from the KICD to figure out the methods of presenting mathematics at the Senior School level,” he stated.

Ogamba indicated that the ministry will promptly begin consultations on strategies to ensure a strong system is in place to support reentry and evaluations for private candidates, allowing them to complete their basic education.

The MOE continues to oversee fee guidelines through audits conducted by the schools audit department and the Office of the Auditor-General. It also provides school fees via CDF bursaries, Elimu Scholarship, and other initiatives.