Everything teachers, parents and students need to understand about the Competency-Based Curriculum — written in plain language.
The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is Kenya's national education system introduced by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). It replaced the old 8-4-4 system and focuses on developing real-world competencies, values, and skills — not just passing exams.
8 years primary, 4 years secondary, 4 years university. Focused on memorisation and exam performance.
2-6-3-3-3 structure. Focuses on competencies, practical skills, values and holistic development of the learner.
This is a platform guide to common learning-area labels, not an official syllabus. Use the current KICD curriculum design for grade-specific requirements and sequence.
Junior School builds on Primary learning areas and offers a broad curriculum. Use the applicable KICD grade design for the exact strand and sub-strand sequence.
Senior School offers three pathways: STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science. Consult the current KICD design for the approved learning areas and pathway combinations.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. Leads to engineering, medicine, computing and science careers.
STEM MaterialsHumanities, languages, business, law and social services. Leads to education, law, business and social work.
Social Sciences MaterialsPerforming arts, visual arts, physical education. Leads to sports, media, design and creative careers.
Arts MaterialsCBC uses a mix of assessment types throughout the year — not just a single final exam. The goal is to measure what a learner can actually do, not just what they can memorise.
Continuous assessment during learning. Used to give feedback and guide instruction. Includes observations, oral questions, short tasks and portfolios.
End-of-term and end-of-level assessments. Measures overall achievement of learning outcomes for a given period.
CBC uses a performance-level scale rather than percentages. Levels run from 1 (Below Expectation) to 4 (Exceeds Expectation) for lower levels, and letter grades at senior level.
CBC lesson plans are outcome-based. Start with the competency you want learners to achieve, then design activities that build toward it.
CBC requires teachers to shift from lecturing to facilitating. Use these proven strategies:
Grade 10–12 requires pathway-specific lesson plans. Assessment becomes more rigorous with project work and practical demonstrations.
No learner should be left behind. CBC requires teachers to identify and support learners who need extra help, and extend those who are gifted.
EduShare Africa hosts KICD-aligned materials created by Kenyan teachers, organised by subject, grade level and CBC pathway.
Over 50,000 KICD-aligned CBC materials created by verified Kenyan teachers.
Find Study Materials →