Cs of education Mr. Julius Ogamba during a past parliament address.
Kenya’s senior school education system is undergoing significant changes under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum. The Ministry of Education has announced an expansion in the number of subjects offered, aiming to provide learners with a more balanced and practical education. These adjustments are designed to equip students with essential skills for the modern world while ensuring a stronger foundation in core disciplines.
Under the new structure, students will now take more subjects than before, with Mathematics becoming compulsory for all learners. Additionally, some subjects will be taught but not examined, shifting focus from pure academics to holistic development. Here’s what parents, teachers, and students need to know about these updates.
Senior School Subjects Expanded from 7 to 10
Previously, senior school students took seven subjects, but under CBE, this has increased to ten. The new subject list includes:
- Compulsory Core Subjects:
- Mathematics (now mandatory for all)
- English
- Kiswahili
- Science & Humanities:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Geography
- History
- Applied & Technical Subjects:
- Business Studies
- Agriculture
- Computer Science
This expansion ensures learners gain diverse knowledge while allowing flexibility based on their career interests.
PE, ICT, and Religious Instruction: Taught but Not Examined
In a notable shift, some subjects will be taught as part of the curriculum but will not be formally examined. These include:
- Physical Education (PE) – To promote fitness and well-being.
- ICT Skills – Enhancing digital literacy for modern workplaces.
- Religious Instruction – Fostering moral and ethical values.
The Ministry emphasizes that these subjects are crucial for holistic development, even if they don’t contribute to final grades. By removing exams, students can engage more freely without the pressure of assessments.
What This Means for Students and Teachers
For Students:
- A broader subject range means more learning opportunities but also requires better time management.
- Mathematics being compulsory ensures stronger numeracy skills, vital for many careers.
- Non-examinable subjects reduce exam stress while still adding value.
For Teachers:
- Lesson planning will need adjustments to accommodate new subjects.
- Performance tasks and competency assessments will replace traditional memorization-based exams.
- More emphasis on practical skills, projects, and real-world applications.
Official Perspectives on the Changes
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has stated:
“The expanded subject list under CBE ensures our learners are not just academically proficient but also physically, digitally, and morally equipped for life beyond school.”
Some teachers have welcomed the changes, noting that non-examinable subjects encourage participation without fear of grades. However, others are cautious about increased workload in an already packed timetable.
Conclusion
The Ministry’s move to expand senior school subjects aligns with CBE’s goal of nurturing well-rounded individuals. By making Mathematics compulsory and introducing non-examined but essential subjects like PE and ICT, Kenya’s education system is adapting to global trends while prioritizing student development.
Parents, teachers, and learners should embrace these changes as steps toward a more dynamic, skill-based education that prepares students for future challenges.
What are your thoughts on these updates? Share in the comments!
