- Under the new CBC reforms, mathematics will cease to be a mandatory subject for students moving up to senior school.
- Students must complete four required courses; they can then select their academic track from among Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, or STEM.
- The Ministry of Education intends for at least 60% of ninth-grade students to focus on STEM subjects, with each junior high school limited to admitting only five pupils.
Ivan Mboto from CDRNEWS.co.ke is a seasoned reporter with more than three years of expertise in covering political events and contemporary issues in Kenya.
The Ministry of Education has unveiled a significant change in Kenya’s educational framework as it proceeds with the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
As part of significant modifications, Mathematics will cease to be a mandatory subject for students moving up to senior secondary education. Consequently, pupils will enjoy greater freedom when choosing courses that match their abilities and future professional goals.
As per the updated CBC guidelines, every high school student is required to undertake four compulsory courses: English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning.
This differs from the earlier 8-4-4 structure, wherein Mathematics was essential along with English, Kiswahili, and a minimum of two science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, or Biology.
What topics will students pursuing the CBC senior secondary curriculum study?
Students will now select three more subjects according to their chosen academic track. The Ministry has divided these tracks into three categories: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The Arts and Sports Science track encompasses disciplines like Fine Arts, Music and Dance, Theater and Cinema, Physical Education, and Sports and Leisure activities. In contrast, the Social Sciences path features courses including Business Studies, History and Civic Engagement, Geography, Christian Religious Instruction (CRI), Islamic Religious Teaching (IRT), Hindu Religious Training (HRT), Community Service Learning (CSL), along with multiple language and literary studies.
The STEM track includes Pure Sciences such as Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and General Science along with Applied Sciences like Agriculture, Computer Science, Home Science, and Technical Studies.
The Ministry aims to boost student interest in STEM fields by setting a goal for at least 60% of present Grade 9 pupils to join the STEM track upon advancing to upper-secondary education in 2026.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang stressed that students will start choosing their subjects during the second term of Grade 9.
This method provides students and parents with sufficient opportunity to discuss and reach well-thought-out decisions.
"We are providing them with time to head back home so that parents and students can talk about their interests and aspirations. Once they come back to school, we will start the selection process right away," Kipsang declared.
As part of yet another significant shift in policy, the Ministry has suggested capping the number of students from one junior secondary school who can enroll together at the same senior level institution to a maximum of five.
The purpose of this program is to encourage diversity in educational settings; however, certain educators think it might present difficulties for neighborhood schools that mainly take in students from nearby areas.
High schools will henceforth be categorized into three main types: Triple Pathway Schools, Double Pathway Schools, and Vocational and Special Needs Schools.
The Triple Pathway Schools will present all three options: STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports, enabling students to select their favored direction. In contrast, Double Pathway Schools will offer either both STEM and Social Sciences or combine STEM with Arts disciplines.
In the meantime, Vocational and Special Needs Schools will serve students with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, and cognitive difficulties, emphasizing practical vocational training suited to their capabilities.
What examination format will be adopted under the CBC system for senior secondary education?
The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has likewise implemented a new evaluation system to decide senior school placements.
The concluding Grade 9 mark will depend on three elements: 60% from the national Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), 20% from evaluations carried out by class instructors, and another 20% from overall primary school achievements.
Students who are not satisfied with their placements will be able to ask for transfers, provided that there are open spots available.
Private candidates, who are not part of formal educational institutions, will have their placements limited to daytime senior secondary schools only.