Second chance: 8-4-4 dropouts to rejoin school under CBC

Thousands of learners who dropped out under the outgoing 8-4-4 education system could soon get a second chance at education. 

The Ministry of Education is now working on new guidelines that will allow these learners to rejoin school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

According to a document seen by The Standard, the ministry is proposing a structured school reentry program that would allow youth and adult learners, including dropouts, to continue their studies under ="http://airtime.standardmedia.co.ke/amp/article/2001517816/education-stakeholders-criticise-cbc-reforms-claim-they-were-rushed">the CBC framework.<

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The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has been tasked with developing a CBC pathway tailored for adult learners.

The document notes that this pathway will embed CBC principles into adult education and provide flexible learning models.

“Many learners who dropped out of school, were over-age, or came from non-formal education settings felt left out. There were no clear ways for them to re-enter the system under CBC, and adult learning programs had not been aligned with="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/counties/article/2001477359/proposed-reforms-and-what-they-mean-for-the-education-sector"> the new curriculum<,” the proposal reads.

Under the new plan, adult and out-of-school learners will not be confined to the traditional classroom model. 

Instead, they will have the flexibility to attend lessons at their convenience, making learning more accessible to people with jobs or family responsibilities.

The ministry is also proposing the expansion of adult education centres across the country, especially in areas with high rates of adult illiteracy. 

These centres will offer programs such as accelerated learning and recognition of prior learning (RPL), where skills and knowledge gained outside formal education are evaluated and credited.

“Stakeholders suggested that there should be special programs for adult learners, including accelerated learning options and recognition of prior learning,” the document states.

It adds: “They also suggested opening more adult learning centres in areas where adult illiteracy remains high.”

However, those who wish to return to secondary school through this pathway will be limited to day schools.

The move comes amid growing concern over rising dropout rates in the 8-4-4 system.

An analysis by The Standard shows that over 500,000 learners who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in recent years did not sit for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) four years later.

In 2020, 1,179,192 learners sat the KCPE. But only 965,501 are sitting the KCSE in 2024 — a shortfall of 213,691 learners.

Similar trends were seen in earlier years. In 2022, 170,948 learners who had sat KCPE in 2018 were unaccounted for in the KCSE data. In 2023, the gap stood at 184,003 students.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the ministry’s proposal, saying it addresses ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001509103/end-of-an-era-no-more-form-one-admissions-as-reforms-start">a long-standing gap< in the country’s education system.

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu said the move would give dropouts a second chance at life.

“We have been pushing for the reintegration of out-of-school youth into the system. Education is a right, and we cannot afford to leave anyone behind, especially when CBC allows for more flexible and practical learning,” Oyuu said.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General Akello Misori also supported the initiative but urged the government to invest in infrastructure and teacher training.

“While this is a commendable idea, we need more resources — both physical and human. Adult learners have different needs, and teachers must be trained to handle such diverse classrooms,” Misori noted.

Educationist Janet Muthoni applauded the flexible learning model and the focus on prior learning recognition.

“This is long overdue. Recognition of prior learning will allow many people, especially those who dropped out to work or raise families, to return and complete their education without starting from scratch,” she said.

Muthoni, however, cautioned that the plan must be carefully implemented to ensure quality learning outcomes.

“This is a brilliant idea on paper, but execution will be key. We need a clear framework, consistent funding, and robust monitoring to make it a success,” she added.