New dawn as CBE learners join senior schools

The government has reaffirmed its readiness to roll out Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has assured parents, teachers and learners that measures are in place to ensure a smooth transition into senior school despite earlier challenges that have dogged the reforms.

As the first cohort under CBE prepares to join senior school starting today, the CS noted that the shift represents a defining moment in Kenya’s education history, marking the formal transition from the long-standing 8-4-4 system to a skills-oriented and learner-centred model.

Ogamba said the move to CBE is a deliberate departure from exam-centred learning towards nurturing competencies, values and practical skills relevant to the 21st century.

“With infrastructure expansion, teacher recruitment, improved financing and policy reforms underway, the foundation has been laid for a smoother and more credible transition under CBE, one that will ultimately redefine learning outcomes for generations to come,” said Ogamba.

He acknowledged that the journey to CBE has not been without setbacks, citing early resistance, inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages and concerns over preparedness.

However, he said sustained political goodwill and policy support had enabled the Education ministry to accelerate reforms across the sector.

“The transition to competency-based assessment marks a decisive step forward, one that shifts our focus from rote memorisation to the demonstration of skills, values and knowledge that empower learners to thrive in the modern world,” Ogamba said,, adding that the reforms are designed to nurture every learner’s potential and prepare them for life and work.

One of the most persistent challenges since the rollout of CBE has been the shortage of teachers and limited capacity to deliver the new curriculum.

To address this, the government has embarked on an aggressive recruitment and professional development drive.

According to the ministry, 100,000 teachers have been employed since 2023, including 24,000 recruited last year, alongside the promotion of 25,000 teachers.

Ogamba said teachers have also undergone large-scale retooling and re-orientation to equip them with the skills required to deliver senior school pathways under CBE.

Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Officer Eveleen Mitei assured parents that teachers are ready to receive Grade 10 learners under the new system.

“On Grade 10 transition, we want to assure parents that all teachers are prepared to receive the Grade 10 students who will join senior school from today,” Mitei said.

She said teachers have been equipped with the competencies and confidence to handle diverse learner needs, but acknowledged gaps in facilities and staffing in some institutions.

“I appeal to heads of institutions to creatively broaden the curriculum offerings, even where facilities may be inadequate, to allow learners to explore their full potential,” she said, adding that TSC remains committed to addressing shortages, especially in specialised learning areas.

Infrastructure gaps, particularly classrooms and laboratories, have also posed a major hurdle as learner numbers grew.

In response, the government constructed 23,000 classrooms nationwide during the 2024/25 financial year to accommodate the first Grade 9 cohort.

This year, the ministry plans to build 1,600 laboratories in selected senior schools to support science, technology and practical learning.

School financing has been another flashpoint, with delays in capitation previously disrupting learning.

Ogamba said this year marked a turning point after the government released Sh44.2 billion in capitation to all public basic education institutions ahead of school opening — the first such occurrence in over a decade.

“This funding must be used prudently and strictly for the benefit of learners,” he warned, cautioning school heads against imposing illegal levies.

On learner placement and instructional materials, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said preparations were progressing well, even as the ministry responds to concerns raised by parents.

“Arrangements on the delivery of Grade 9 textbooks are on course, and the ministry remains committed to achieving the envisaged learner-textbook ratio,” Bitok said.

He added that a second review of Grade 10 placements is underway to address concerns over fairness and responsiveness, noting that placement challenges are largely logistical rather than systemic.

“We have given learners an opportunity to review the pathways twice since the results were announced two weeks ago,” said Bitok.

He also called for Public-Private Partnerships in mobilising resources and expanding infrastructure in schools.

The transition has also sparked political debate, particularly around placement into national schools.

President William Ruto has issued a stern warning against politicising education, saying schools should never be used to advance tribal or divisive agendas.

“Let our children learn. They are Kenyans, wherever they come from,” Ruto said, responding to claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that national schools in central Kenya were allegedly sidelining local students.

Alumni associations from national schools, including Mang’u High School and Alliance High School, have defended the merit-based placement system, warning that regionalising national schools would undermine national unity.

Education experts say the real issue lies in uneven development of quality schools across regions. Career coach Dr Mercy Igoki said attempts to localise national schools are misguided.

“National schools belong to Kenya. The solution is policy-driven—strengthen schools everywhere, not weaken institutions that promote cohesion,” she said.

The President said the government had stabilised the education sector by streamlining CBE, employing teachers and releasing capitation funds on time.

“We sent Sh44.2 billion to schools so that students can settle in class. For the first time, we will ensure capitation reaches the full Sh22,000 per child,” he said.ssss