Original analysis and verified updates on Kenya's Competency Based Curriculum — covering KICD curriculum designs, TSC teacher standards, KNEC assessment news, Ministry of Education policy, and senior school pathway guidance. Written by Ronny Mwenda, Mathematics & Computer Science teacher, Embu County.
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⭐ Featured · June 2026
Senior School Officially Begins: Kenya's First CBC Grade 10 Cohort Enters Pathways
📅 June 2, 2026·✍️ Ronny Mwenda·📖 12 min read
Kenya's education system has entered a landmark phase. Beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, the first cohort of learners under the Competency Based Curriculum has entered Senior Secondary School (Grades 10–12). These are students who began PP1 when CBC was piloted in 2017 and have progressed through the full 2-6-3 ladder. They now choose between three distinct pathways: STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports Science.
This transition marks the moment the CBC's pathway model becomes real for Kenyan families. The Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), sat at the end of Grade 9, informs — but does not dictate — pathway placement. Aptitude, interest, and school counsellor guidance all play a role. As a Mathematics and Computer Science teacher in Embu, I have seen firsthand how critical it is for learners and parents to understand each pathway's demands and opportunities before making this choice.
The BECF is the master document guiding CBC. It defines the values, competencies, and learning areas for every level from PP1 to Grade 12. This article unpacks its key principles and what it means practically for classrooms.
The Teachers Service Commission has been rolling out CBC retooling since 2017. This analysis looks at what the training covers, how many teachers have been reached, and what professional gaps teachers in rural counties still face.
The KJSEA at Grade 9 is a critical transition assessment. Unlike the old KCPE, it is not a single high-stakes exam. This article explains its structure, what subjects are assessed, how results are used, and how learners and parents should approach it.
CBC Computer Science at senior level introduces learners to programming, networks, cybersecurity, data management, and AI ethics. This piece — written by a CS teacher — breaks down the curriculum strand by strand with practical insights.
CBC replaces the 8-4-4 model's reliance on end-of-cycle external exams with a 60% school-based assessment and 40% external examination structure at senior level. This article explains how that split works, what it means for project work, and how the KCSE in 2028 will be structured.
Pathway selection is one of the most consequential decisions in a Kenyan learner's education. This practical guide walks through the factors to weigh, common misconceptions about each pathway, and how to use KJSEA results alongside aptitude indicators.
The TSC has defined clear competency standards for CBC teachers covering pedagogy, assessment literacy, ICT integration, and inclusive education. This article outlines what every registered teacher must now demonstrate in their annual performance appraisal.
CBC Mathematics demands a shift from drill-and-practice to problem-solving, modelling, and real-world application. As a Mathematics teacher, I share the pedagogical strategies that work in CBC classrooms — from Grades 7 through 12.
CBC's seven core competencies — from Communication & Collaboration to Self-Efficacy — are not abstract ideals. This article explores how a classroom teacher embeds each competency into daily lesson design, project work, and formative assessment.
The KPSEA replaced the KCPE for primary school learners. It assesses foundational competencies at the end of Grade 6 and informs transition to Junior Secondary. This article explains what it tests, how it differs from the old KCPE, and what parents should know.
Community Service Learning (CSL) is a mandatory component of CBC. Learners must complete structured service projects that connect curriculum content to real community challenges. This article explains the requirements, how CSL is assessed, and practical examples from Kenyan schools.
CBC expects learners to undertake mathematical projects that connect theory to practice. From financial literacy projects to data collection surveys, this article shares ten practical CBC Mathematics project ideas with assessment rubric guidance for Grades 7–10.