The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya focuses on equipping learners with knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for their personal development and the country’s socio-economic growth. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Overview of CBC Structure
Early Years Education: Pre-primary (PP1 & PP2) and Lower Primary (Grade 1–3).
Middle School Education: Upper Primary (Grade 4–6) and Junior Secondary School (Grade 7–9).
Senior Secondary School: (Grade 10–12): A specialization stage where learners select pathways based on their abilities, interests, and career aspirations.
Tertiary and Higher Education: Includes TVETs, universities, and other specialized institutions.
Pathways in Senior Secondary (Grade 10–12)
From 2026, Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) will offer three main pathways. Each learner will specialize based on their competencies, interests, and career goals.
1) STEM Pathway (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Subjects
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Computer Science
Aviation Technology
Geospatial Technology
Possible Careers:
Engineers (civil, mechanical, software)
Doctors, Pharmacists, and Biotechnologists
IT Specialists, Data Scientists, and Programmers
Researchers in various fields of science
2) Arts and Sports Science Pathway
Subjects
Music
Fine Art
Performing Arts (Theatre, Dance)
Media Studies
Physical Education and Sports
Creative Writing
Possible Careers:
Artists, Actors, and Musicians
Media Personnel (Journalists, Directors, Producers)
Athletes, Coaches, and Sports Managers
Writers, Poets, and Film Producers
3) Social Sciences Pathway
Subjects
History
Geography
Business Studies
Religious Studies (CRE/IRE)
Sociology and Philosophy
Languages (English, Kiswahili, and Foreign Languages)
Possible Careers:
Lawyers, Economists, and Politicians
Sociologists, Anthropologists, and Historians
Teachers and Professors in Social Sciences
Diplomats and Public Administrators
New School Naming System for Senior Secondary from 2026
To accommodate the specialization pathways, schools will be renamed based on their focus areas:
STEM Schools: Focused on science, engineering, and technology subjects.
Example: light STEM Academy.
Arts and Sports Schools: Specializing in creative arts and physical education.
Example: Tumaini Arts and Sports Centre.
Social Sciences Schools: Concentrating on humanities, business, and social studies.
Example: kongoni Social Sciences High School.
Comprehensive Schools: Offering a mix of all three pathways if the institution has the capacity.
Example: State Comprehensive High School.
How Schools Will Transition to Senior Secondary
Existing secondary schools will adapt to these pathways depending on their resources, teachers, and infrastructure.
Government support and partnerships with stakeholders will ensure schools are equipped to offer specialized facilities like labs, studios, and sports amenities.