Final Day of Education Dialogues: Key Takeaways and Senior School Transition Guidelines Unveiled

The Ministry of Education has wrapped up the County-Based Dialogues, a series of stakeholder engagements aimed at shaping the future of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) education system in Kenya. Speaking on the final day, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba officially launched the Senior School Transition Guidelines, a key policy document that will guide learners moving from Junior to Senior School.

Over the past week, these discussions have provided crucial insights into the opportunities and challenges in rolling out CBC education in Kenya. Among the notable proposals is the inclusion of French in the CBC curriculum, a move aimed at expanding job opportunities, enhancing global connectivity, and aligning with CBC pathways.

With the government committing billions to CBC curriculum design, infrastructure, and policy reforms, these guidelines are expected to bring fairness, equity, and inclusivity to the transition process.

Key Takeaways from the County-Based Dialogues

The County-Based Dialogues provided insights into the challenges and opportunities in rolling out CBC education in Kenya. The Ministry of Education intends to use these findings to shape future reforms and ensure a smooth transition for learners from Junior to Senior School.

One of the major suggestions from stakeholders is the inclusion of French in the CBC curriculum. This proposal is aimed at:
✔ Expanding job opportunities for learners in the global market.
✔ Enhancing international connectivity, making Kenyan students more competitive worldwide.
✔ Aligning with CBC pathways, ensuring students acquire relevant skills for the future.

What the Senior School Transition Guidelines Entail

The new Senior School Transition Guidelines will focus on:
➡ Fair and transparent placement of learners based on merit, choice, and school capacity.
➡ Equity and inclusivity, ensuring all students, regardless of background, get equal opportunities.
➡ Defined roles for stakeholders, ensuring a smooth transition for Grade 10 learners.

The Ministry is also investing heavily in infrastructure development, with the construction of 11,000 Grade 9 classrooms and an additional 6,800 classrooms funded through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). These projects are expected to be completed by January 2025.

CBC KNEC Portal and Assessment Process

With the CBC system, traditional national examinations have been replaced by continuous assessment tests (CBC exams). The CBC KNEC portal allows teachers and students to access resources related to CBC test formats, reporting structures, and assessment guidelines.

The CBC assessment model includes:
✅ School-based assessments conducted at various grades.
✅ National summative assessments at Grade 6 (KPSEA), Grade 9, and Grade 12.
✅ A transition system that evaluates both academic and practical competencies.

Teachers are required to prepare CBC lesson plans and use CBC schemes of work that align with the CBC curriculum design. Sample materials such as the CBC lesson plan sample and CBC notes are available on educational platforms, helping teachers adjust to the new system.

Massive Investment in Competency-Based Education (CBE)

The government has demonstrated its commitment to CBC implementation by investing:
✅ Ksh 85.5 billion from the 2016/2017 to 2024/2025 financial years to support CBC in primary schools.
✅ Ksh 61.66 billion allocated to Junior Schools between the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years.

To enhance accessibility and digital learning, the Ministry is also working on a CBC app that will provide interactive learning materials for both students and teachers.

What This Means for Kenyan Learners and Teachers

With these new transition guidelines, improved learning infrastructure, and increased funding, the future of CBC education in Kenya is set to improve significantly. Teachers, parents, and students must stay informed and prepare for the changes that come with the full implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE).

Additionally, the government is addressing concerns raised in CBC news regarding the effectiveness of the CBC curriculum by ensuring that CBC test models align with international standards.

The Ministry’s stakeholder engagement and strategic reforms signal a promising future for learners transitioning to Senior School.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CBC and Senior School Transition

1. What is the CBC system in Kenya?

The CBC system (Competency-Based Curriculum) is an educational framework that focuses on skills development, creativity, and practical learning rather than just academic memorization. It replaces the traditional 8-4-4 system with a 2-6-3-3-3 structure, where learners follow a competency-based approach.

2. What are the CBC pathways in Senior School?

The CBC pathways at the Senior School level allow students to specialize in different areas based on their strengths and interests. The pathways include:

• Arts and Sports Science
• Social Sciences
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

3. How will students transition from Junior to Senior School?

According to the Senior School Transition Guidelines, learners will be placed in Senior Schools based on:
✔ Their performance in Grade 9 assessments.
✔ Their preferred CBC pathways.
✔ The availability of school resources and facilities.

4. How can teachers access CBC schemes of work and lesson plans?

Teachers can access CBC lesson plans, CBC notes, and CBC schemes of work through various platforms, including the CBC portal and educational apps. These materials help teachers align their lessons with the CBC curriculum design.

5. What is the role of the CBC KNEC portal?

The CBC KNEC portal is an online platform by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) where teachers can upload CBC test results, track student performance, and access assessment materials.

6. Are CBC exams different from traditional exams?

Yes, CBC exams focus more on practical assessments, projects, and skill demonstrations rather than traditional written tests. Learners are assessed continuously, and their progress is recorded through the CBC KNEC portal.

7. What are some key investments the government has made in CBC?

The government has committed:
✅ Ksh 85.5 billion for CBC implementation in primary schools.
✅ Ksh 61.66 billion for Junior Schools between 2023-2025.
✅ Construction of 11,000 Grade 9 classrooms and 6,800 more classrooms under NG-CDF.

8. Where can parents and teachers find CBC updates and news?

For the latest CBC news, curriculum updates, and educational reforms, parents and teachers can visit the Ministry of Education website, CBC app, or follow government updates on the CBC portal.

9. What is CBC Haemogram?

This refers to CBC (Complete Blood Count) Haemogram, a medical test unrelated to the Competency-Based Curriculum. It is a diagnostic test used to measure blood components.

10. What does the future hold for CBC education in Kenya?

The government is working on:
✔ Strengthening CBC pathways and subject choices.
✔ Improving CBC curriculum design.
✔ Expanding infrastructure and digital learning through the CBC app and e-learning resources.

For more updates, stay tuned to official CBC news sources!