The Ministry of Education (MoE) has officially released guidelines that will guide implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE) at the Senior School level, marking a shift in the education system in the country.
In a circular dated August 8, 2025, authored by Prof. Amb. Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Basic Education.
Addressed to all Regional, County, and Sub-County Directors of Education, the directive prepares the ground for the first cohort of CBC learners to transition into Grade 10 in January 2026, marking the start of the fourth tier in the CBC structure.
“The essence of Senior School is to offer learners a pre-tertiary, pre-university, or pre-career experience,” the PS stated in the circular.
The Senior School will span three years (Grades 10 to 12) for learners aged approximately 15 to 17 years, culminating in CBC-aligned exit competencies that emphasise citizenship, ethics, and productivity.
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“Learners shall take seven subjects as recommended by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms,” the circular outlined.
These include four compulsory subjects: English, Kiswahili, Core/Essential Mathematics, and Community Service Learning (CSL). The remaining three are elective, drawn from three major pathways—STEM, Arts and Sports Science, and Social Sciences.
“Learners not pursuing the STEM pathway may still opt to take Core Mathematics, depending on their Junior School assessment results,” the circular clarified.
Notably, the Ministry emphasises learner flexibility: students may select subjects across different pathways to suit career interests and aptitude.
“The choice of subjects shall be guided by the learner’s anticipated career, aptitude, interest, and personality,” the PS directed.
The circular mandates all Quality Assurance and Standards Officers and Senior School Principals to ensure the framework is implemented nationwide. It was also copied to the Cabinet Secretary (Ministry of Education), TSC, KNEC, KUCCPS, TVET, and University Education departments.
By Joseph Mambili
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