Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) represents a sign shift in the philosophy and purpose of education, moving from a rigid, exam-focused system to a more learner-centred, values-driven model. At the heart of the CBE is not only the nurturing of skills and competencies but also the cultivation of moral character. This is why core values such as love, responsibility, respect, unity, peace, patriotism, social justice, and integrity are emph throughout the curriculum. These values are not meant to be abstract ideals; they are intended to be lived out in learners’ daily experiences, shaping them into ethical, compassionate, and responsible citizens.
Love, as a value, underpins human relationships and builds the foundation for empathy, kindness, and care. When learners are taught to love their neighbours, country, environment, and themselves, they begin to see others not as competitors but as fellow human beings deserving of dignity and respect. Love in education shows up in the way students are encouraged to collaborate, support one another, and celebrate each other’s strengths. It also manifests in acts of compassion, such as helping those in need, protecting animals and caring for the vulnerable. A learning environment infused with love becomes a safe space where learners can grow without fear.
Responsibility is a value that anchors learners in accountability. It teaches them to take ownership of their actions, their learning, and their roles in society. Through CBE, learners are guided to understand that their choices have consequences.Whether it is completing assignments on time, conserving water, caring for school property, or standing up against wrongdoing, the sense of being answerable instils discipline and a strong work ethic. A responsible learner grows into a dependable adult who can be trusted with both personal and communal responsibilities.
Respect is a vital social harmony. In classrooms and schools where respect is taught and modelled, learners begin to appreciate the diversity of thought, culture, background, and belief. CBE fosters this by encouraging learners to express themselves while listening to others, to disagree without being disrespectful, and to recognise the value in every individual. Respect also extends to rules, authority, public resources, and the nation. Teaching respect helps curb bullying, violence, and discrimination, creating a culture of inclusion and safety for all.
Unity, as a value, promotes togetherness and shared identity. Kenya is a country of many tribes, languages, and traditions. The CBE embraces this diversity by fostering national cohesion. Through projects, group work, and community engagement, learners discover that collaboration and mutual support lead to better outcomes than division. Unity does not mean uniformity; inst, it means recognizing differences while working toward common goals. It prepares learners to contribute positively to nation-building, knowing that a united country is stronger and more resilient.
Peace is a value that is often taken for granted until it is lost. CBE teaches peace as more than the absence of conflict — it is about cultivating inner calm, managing emotions, resolving disputes peacefully, and promoting reconciliation. Learners are trained in skills such as active listening, negotiation, and empathy — all of which are essential for living in harmony with others. In a world increasingly marked by tension and hostility, raising children who understand and value peace is one of the moseducation can make.
Patriotism is instilled in CBE not as blind allegiance, but as informed love and service for one’s country. Learners are taught the history of Kenya, the sacrifices made by those who came before, and the ongoing work of nation-building. They are encouraged to participate in community cleanups, national celebrations, and civic education. True patriotism involves both pride in one’s country and a commitment to improving it. It asks learners to be actively engage in solving problems, not just pointing them out. A patriotic citizen is one who contributes to the welfare of others and defends the dignity of the nation.
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Social justice is a value that invites learners to recognise and challenge inequality, prejudice, and oppression. CBE integrates these topics through discussions on human rights, fairness, gender equality, disability inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Learners are encouraged to ask questions, speak up for those without a voice, and work towards a society where everyone has equal opportunities. Social justice goes beyond empathy; it is about action. When learners internalise this value, they begin to look at the world through the lens of fairness and take steps to right wrongs in their small ways.
Integrity binds all the other values together. It is about doing the right thing even when no one is watching. In the CBE framework, learners are taught to be honest in their words, actions, and intentions. They are encouraged to own up to mistakes, to resist cheating, to return lost items, and to stand by the truth. Integrity is what sustains trust in relationships, institutions, and leadership. A learner who grows up with integrity becomes a citizen others can rely on — a leader who is guided by principle rather than convenience.
Together, these core values form the moral spine of the CBE. They are embedded not only in religious or civic education lessons but across subjects, school culture, and co-curricular activities. Teachers are expected to model these values in their behaviour. At the same time, schools create opportunities for learners to practice them through real-life scenarios, community projects, and peer interactions. Parents, too, have a role to play in reinforcing these values at home.
Kenya’s investment in value-based education is timely and necessary. As learners grow into a world filled with complexity, competition, and uncertainty, their values will be the compass that guides their choices and defines their character. By grounding the curriculum in love, responsibility, respect, unity, peace, patriotism, social justice, and integrity, learners are nurtured not only as knowledgeable individuals but also as morally grounded, empathetic citizens committed to building a cohesive and equitable society.
By Ashford Kimani
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