Senior school is now a launchpad for real-world skills, careers, and lifelong success. Learners choose subjects that influence academic achievement, employability, and personal development. Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) prioritizes practical skills, creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application, moving away from rote memorization and exam-focused instruction.
Career Pathways by Subject Clusters
Sciences (STEM) – Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology → Medicine, Engineering, IT, Architecture, Environmental Science. CBE emphasizes lab experiments, coding projects, and problem-solving.
Arts & Humanities – History, Literature, Geography, CRE, Languages → Law, Journalism, Education, Public Administration. CBE emphasizes debates, research projects, and community engagement.
Business & Technical – Business Studies, Computer Studies, Agriculture, Home Science → Commerce, IT, Agribusiness, Hospitality. CBE emphasizes entrepreneurship projects, ICT integration, and applied learning.
Creative & Vocational – Music, Fine Art, Performing Arts, Physical Education → Creative industries, sports careers. CBE emphasizes practical workshops and talent development.
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Career guidance is now structured and continuous, with mentorship programs, industry visits, and exposure to emerging fields like data science, robotics, and renewable energy.
Teacher Preparedness
Over 52,000 teachers have been trained by TSC and KICD to deliver learner-centered instruction, integrate technology, and facilitate practical assessments. This marks a shift from the exam-focused system to skills-driven learning.
Potential Gaps in Implementation
Infrastructure Shortfalls – Lack of labs, workshops, and ICT tools
Teacher Capacity & Workload – High student-teacher ratios may limit mentorship
Resource Limitations – Shortages of textbooks and digital tools
Assessment Challenges – Continuous evaluation requires expertise
Resistance to Change – Some teachers, students, and parents may resist
Financial & Monitoring Gaps – Funding and supervision must be adequate
Addressing these gaps early ensures learners fully benefit from CBE.
Distinctive Features of CBE vs. Previous System
Feature 8-4-4 Competency-Based Education
Learning Focus Memorization Skills & critical thinking
Assessment Exams only Continuous & practical
Learning Approach Textbook-based Hands-on, interactive
Career Guidance Minimal Structured & industry-linked
Holistic Development Limited Creativity & teamwork
Resource Persons and Knowledge Sources
CBE relies on specialist teachers, industry experts, university lecturers, government and NGO trainers, and online platforms. Knowledge is applied in laboratories, workshops, creative studios, business hubs, farms, and digital platforms—ensuring learners gain practical, real-world expertise.
Funding: Past, Present, Shortfall, and Future
Previous Funding (2024/25): KSh 656.6 B
Required Funding for partial CBE (2025/26): KSh 702.7 B
Shortfall: KSh 46.1 B → approximately 6.6% of the required budget.
Current Funding (2025/26): KSh 702.7 B – covers teacher training and partial CBE implementation (7% increase from 2024/25).
Additional Funding Required for full CBE: KSh 38–61 B → projected total KSh 740.7–763.7 B (13–16% overall increase from 2024/25).
Funding Aspect Amount (KSh) Notes
Previous system 656.6 B Shortfall 6.6% of what was required
Current investment 702.7 B Teachers trained, partial CBE implementation
Additional requirement 38–61 B Full CBE implementation
Projected total funding 740.7–763.7 B Complete CBE nationwide
Insight: Addressing both the 6.6% previous shortfall and the additional funding requirement ensures learners have access to infrastructure, resources, teacher mentorship, and career guidance for full CBE realization.
Conclusion
CBE revolutionizes senior school education, empowering learners with practical skills, career readiness, and holistic development. By closing funding gaps, enhancing teacher preparation, and improving infrastructure, Kenya’s senior schools can produce a generation of innovators, leaders, and creators ready to thrive globally.
By Hillary Muhalya
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