Kenya’s education reform agenda has reached a historic turning point with the publication of the Guidelines for the Implementation of Senior School Education (October 2025) — a comprehensive roadmap for the rollout of Senior School under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education, okayed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, Principal Secretary Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok and Director General Dr Elyas Abdi outline policy directions on curriculum, governance, infrastructure, and assessment. They aim to ensure that learners aged 15 to 17 transition smoothly from Junior School to specialised Senior School pathways aligned with their interests and abilities.
In the Foreword, CS Julius Migos Ogamba describes the Senior School rollout as “a significant turning point in the educational process of fully realising the potential of youth in Kenya.” He adds that “Senior School serves as a link between fundamental education and the specialised skills needed for post-secondary education, the workforce, and nation-building.”
The document highlights Senior School as a space for creativity, responsibility, and self-discovery. It is designed to “help parents, teachers, school administrators, and other stakeholders implement education that caters for the various needs of students.”
The Preface by PS Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok rhymes with this vision, pointinout that “the Ministry of Education is dedicated to upholding the principles of equity, inclusion, and high-quality education for all as we set out on this revolutionary journey.”
He further emphasises that “Senior School Education adapts to the individual goals and skills of every student, empowering them to become engaged, productive adults prepared to face the challenges of the twenty-first century.”
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The guidelines also provide direction for counties and schools in readiness for the January 2026 rollout. They detail standards for physical infrastructure, safety, human resource development, and curriculum alignment with pathways in STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports Science.
According to the document, the reforms “lay a strong foundation for Senior School Education — one that fosters lifelong learning, holistic development, and adaptability demanded by a rapidly changing world.”
In his Acknowledgement, Dr Elyas Abdi commends the multi-agency collaboration that produced the framework, stating that “this document reflects the collective expertise and passion of professionals deeply committed to improving the quality of education and enhancing the learning experience for learners in Senior School.”
The Ministry says implementation will be guided by coordination between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
The Senior School guidelines reinforce Kenya’s long-term vision to produce citizens capable of critical thinking, ethical leadership, and sustainable productivity.
By Joseph Mambili
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