Ministry of Education Announces Transition CBC to CBE. What This Means
The Ministry of Education has officially announced the transition from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to Competency-Based Education (CBE), marking a significant shift aimed at streamlining learning pathways.
This change is designed to make education more affordable, accessible, and practical for students, ensuring that the system better aligns with the evolving needs of the 21st-century economy.
On Thursday, April 24, during the National Conversation Forum on Education, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok officiated the shift, providing clarity on the Ministry’s decision to review and refine certain aspects of the CBC.
Bitok emphasized the importance of a dynamic curriculum, underscoring that the changes were made in response to emerging needs and feedback. “Curriculum is dynamic, and we have an opportunity to review and adjust certain aspects of our education system. Today, we are officially launching the shift from CBC to CBE, a step toward improving our educational approach,” the Principal Secretary remarked.
The Ministry has actively engaged with various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and policy makers, to ensure a smooth transition to CBE.
As part of this engagement, the Ministry has called on all stakeholders to offer their support and to contribute to the success of the new system.
The government has reiterated its commitment to the effective implementation of CBE, with the goal of ensuring that the educational system delivers tangible benefits to students across the country.
A Focus on 21st-Century Skills and Practical Education
One of the most profound changes students and parents will experience under CBE is the focus on equipping learners with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to thrive in the modern workforce.
The shift emphasizes practical learning and skills acquisition that are directly aligned with the demands of the job market, making education more relevant to students’ future careers. “The future of our children’s education is a shared responsibility. I urge all stakeholders to actively engage in these discussions, provide honest feedback, and work together to shape policies that reflect the best interests of our learners,” said Bitok.
In this new framework, one of the major updates is the reintroduction of mathematics as a compulsory subject.
Previously made optional under the CBC, mathematics will now remain a mandatory subject for senior school students. However, the Ministry has adjusted the approach to accommodate students’ various career interests.
Students pursuing the STEM pathway will be required to take pure mathematics, while those opting for the other two pathways—Arts and Sports Science or Social Sciences—will engage with a simplified version of the subject.
This adjustment aims to strike a balance between maintaining academic rigor and ensuring the relevance of the subject to different career trajectories.
Emphasizing Strengths and Interests
The overarching goal of CBE is to focus on students’ strengths, interests, and practical skills, preparing them for success in employment and entrepreneurship. This approach moves away from the one-size-fits-all model of education and embraces a more individualized learning path.
Students will be encouraged to pursue subjects and fields that align with their aptitudes, ensuring a more engaging and effective learning experience.
CBE also places a significant emphasis on the professional development of teachers. The Ministry is committed to enhancing teacher training programs to ensure that educators are fully equipped to deliver the competency-based curriculum.
This will involve ongoing professional development, with a particular focus on how teachers can adapt their teaching methods to support the diverse learning needs of students under the new framework.
Strengthening School Facilities and Infrastructure
Alongside changes in curriculum, there will be a renewed focus on improving school facilities, especially in areas related to technical education, arts, and sports.
The Ministry recognizes that adequate resources are essential for the successful implementation of CBE, and as such, efforts will be made to upgrade schools, particularly in disciplines that require specialized facilities.
This includes equipping schools with the necessary tools and resources to support the growing demand for technical, artistic, and athletic training.
Categorization of Schools and Pathways
As part of the CBE shift, schools will be reclassified based on the career pathways they offer. Institutions will now be categorized as either “triple pathway” or “double pathway” schools. Triple pathway schools will offer all three career pathways—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Arts and Sports Science; and Social Sciences. These schools will provide students with a wide range of career options, allowing them to choose the path that best suits their skills and interests. On the other hand, double pathway schools will offer only two of the three available pathways, typically STEM combined with either Social Sciences or Arts and Sports Science.
Ongoing Stakeholder Engagement
The shift from CBC to CBE is part of a broader, ongoing dialogue between the Ministry of Education and various stakeholders. The Ministry remains committed to refining the curriculum and ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of the Kenyan education system.
By fostering open discussions and continuously engaging with all relevant parties, the Ministry aims to build an education system that serves the best interests of all students, providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy.
The transition from CBC to CBE is not just a change in name but a comprehensive overhaul of how education is delivered in Kenya. By focusing on competency, practical skills, and student-centered learning, CBE promises to better equip students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The Ministry of Education’s commitment to this transformation reflects a forward-thinking approach to ensuring that Kenya’s education system remains relevant, responsive, and robust in preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
In Other News: “He Regretted”: Dr. Sergio Alfieri Reveals the Final Words of Pope Francis Before His Death
Ministry of Education Announces Transition CBC to CBE. What This Means
