𝐂𝐒 𝐎𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚 announces the introduction of CBE as he 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦s

𝐂𝐒 𝐎𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚 announces the introduction of CBE as he 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦s

The government has reiterated its commitment to Competency-Based Education (CBE), calling it a transformative model crucial to the nation’s development agenda.

Speaking at the launch held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba stated that CBE, also known as Elimu Thabiti, forms the basis of an inclusive and skills-oriented education system aimed at equipping learners for the challenges of the 21st century.

“Behind every education reform is a child whose aspirations hinge on it. We are all in this together,” Ogamba remarked.

The CS further highlighted that the CBE model is based on grassroots consultation and embodies the perspectives of communities nationwide.

“Mathematics will now be mandatory across all pathways in senior secondary schools,” the CS declared, adding that the technical team will collaborate closely with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to manage its implementation.

Additionally, Ogamba encouraged educators to adopt a novel approach to teaching: “We must shift away from rote learning (method of memorizing information through repetition, rather than understanding the underlying meaning or context). ”

Our emphasis is on dynamic, learner-focused methods that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, he continued.

During his remarks, Basic Education PS Prof. Julius Bitok stressed that CBE represents not merely an adjustment to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) but a comprehensive transformation of Kenya’s educational landscape.

“We are no longer merely discussing curriculum; we are now executing a system-wide reform,” Prof. Bitok observed.

The PS noted insights gained from consultations at the county level, specifically mentioning Nakuru, where students demonstrated innovation and practical skills, highlighting the tangible benefits of Competency-Based Education (CBE).

“This is not merely a shift in curriculum; it signifies a national transformation, and the future of our children is contingent on how we navigate this journey together, as CBE aligns with Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” he stated.

In addition, Higher Education and Research PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala remarked that CBE also revolutionizes teaching methodologies and learning settings.

“We must depart from teaching students to simply memorize. Rather, we ought to instruct them on how to apply what they learn so that they retain it,” she indicated.

Dr. Inyangala underscored the necessity of ongoing teacher retraining, active community involvement, and school programs tailored to local contexts as vital elements for the effective implementation of the Competency-Based Education model.

Meanwhile, preparations for the national rollout are already in progress. Universities, teacher training colleges, and curriculum development agencies are coordinating their frameworks to support the first group of CBE learners anticipated to transition to university by 2029.

The Ministry is also dedicated to reassessing the adult education curriculum to align with CBE principles, ensuring that lifelong learning opportunities are relevant and skill-oriented.

Furthermore, initiatives are being developed to enhance teacher retooling, with 291 teachers already trained, and a national expansion is scheduled for the forthcoming months.

Simultaneously, special needs education was given priority, with the government committing to improve infrastructure and educational resources.