CBE
Competency-Based Education (CBC)
Kenya's national Competency-Based Curriculum focusing on skills, values, and holistic development aligned to Vision 2030
PROVIDER
Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)
GRADES COVERED
PP1-Grade 12
ASSESSMENT TYPE
continuous
FLEXIBILITY LEVEL
medium
Complete Grade Structure
Pre-Primary 1 & 2 (PP1-PP2)
Early Learning
Focus
Foundational skills and social development
Subjects
Key Features
- Play-based learning
- Development of listening and speaking skills
- Introduction to numbers and letters
- Social and emotional development
- Gross and fine motor skills development
- Bilingual foundation (English & Kiswahili)
Assessment Methods
Teacher Observation
Checklist Assessment
Portfolio
Formative Assessment
ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST
KES 60,000
USD 460 / GBP 370
TIME COMMITMENT
25 hours/week
Recommended weekly study commitment
Grades 1-3 (Lower Primary)
Lower Primary Education
Focus
Literacy and numeracy foundation
Subjects
Key Features
- Strong emphasis on literacy in English and Kiswahili
- Mathematical thinking development
- Introduction to science concepts
- Critical thinking skills
- Competency-based assessment
- Integrated thematic approach
Assessment Methods
Continuous Assessment
Tests & Exams
Practical Activities
Projects
ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST
KES 80,000
USD 615 / GBP 495
TIME COMMITMENT
28 hours/week
Recommended weekly study commitment
Grades 4-6 (Upper Primary)
Upper Primary Education
Focus
Subject consolidation and thinking skills
Subjects
Key Features
- Deeper subject content
- Higher-order thinking skills
- Problem-solving focus
- Application to real-world contexts
- KNEC summative assessments
- Preparation for secondary school
Assessment Methods
Continuous Assessment (40%)
KNEC Exams (60%)
Practical Projects
Written Tests
ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST
KES 100,000
USD 765 / GBP 620
TIME COMMITMENT
28 hours/week
Recommended weekly study commitment
Grades 7-9 (Lower Secondary)
Lower Secondary Education
Focus
Subject specialization and competency development
Subjects
Key Features
- Subject-specific instruction
- Development of practical skills
- Integration of digital literacy
- Life skills emphasis
- Career guidance introduction
- Competency-based assessments
Assessment Methods
Terminal Examinations
Continuous Assessment
Practical Tasks
CATs (Class Assessments)
ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST
KES 120,000
USD 920 / GBP 745
TIME COMMITMENT
30 hours/week
Recommended weekly study commitment
Grades 10-12 (Upper Secondary)
Upper Secondary Education
Focus
University and career preparation
Subjects
Key Features
- Advanced subject content
- KCSE National Examinations
- Focused university preparation
- Practical laboratory skills
- Career pathway guidance
- Optional technical subjects
Assessment Methods
KCSE Mock Exams
Continuous Assessment
Practical Assessments
National Exams (Grade 12)
ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST
KES 150,000
USD 1150 / GBP 925
TIME COMMITMENT
32 hours/week
Recommended weekly study commitment
Subject Offerings
mandatorySubjects
- English
- Kiswahili
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
scienceSubjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Technology
humanitiesSubjects
- History
- Geography
- Civics
- Religious Education
optionalSubjects
- Computer Studies
- Business Studies
- Home Science
- Agriculture
- Technical Subjects
University Recognition & Pathways
Kenyan Universities
- All Kenyan universities accept CBC graduates
- JKUAT
- University of Nairobi
- Kenyatta University
- Strathmore
Global Universities
Recognition Level
High - Preferred for Kenyan universities, increasingly recognized in East Africa
Strengths & Considerations
Key Strengths
- Aligned to Kenya's Vision 2030
- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving
- Emphasizes practical skills and competencies
- Strong local university and college recognition
- Affordable and widely supported resources
- Holistic learner development (cognitive, social, spiritual)
Considerations
- Limited global recognition compared to IGCSE/IB
- Assessment system still evolving
- Limited advanced STEM resources
Is CBE Right for Your Family?
Kenyan families, practical learners, budget-conscious, community-rooted
Recommended Study Hours Per Week
28
Annual Investment (Approximate)
KES 120,000