Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Speaking at the 2026 Legislative Retreat in Naivasha, Ogamba told lawmakers that the system will help the country determine the true cost of educating a child, a figure that remains unclear due to multiple funding sources.
To allow more learners to report and complete placement, authorities said reporting timelines have been extended following concerns raised by stakeholders.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 14, the UGM Party leader said true access to education must go beyond simply admitting children into schools. He stressed that the system should allow learners to remain in school, move forward smoothly, and complete their studies with dignity.
Designed to be self-paced, the programme follows a step-by-step sequence, requiring teachers to finish one unit before moving to the next. KNEC says this approach ensures that teachers build a strong foundation in all aspects of CBA, equipping them to conduct assessments effectively and consistently.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation, Waruku said that during the selection period, learners and parents rejected more than 3,600 out of 9,200 schools earmarked as senior schools, arguing they lacked the minimum standards to support learning pathways.
Introduced in 2017, CBC replaced the 8-4-4 system, which critics argued relied too heavily on examinations and memorisation. The new system aims to focus on skills, competencies, creativity, critical thinking, and learner-centred outcomes. Its design aligns with the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Vision 2030, and global education trends prioritising practical skills over rote learning.
KICD Director and CEO Prof Charles Ong’ondo told publishers that the Institute had already received Sh5.64 billion from the Ministry of Education to begin clearing pending invoices.
Kenya introduced the Competency-Based Curriculum in 2017 as a major shift from exam-focused learning. The new system was meant to build skills, talents and practical knowledge while supporting the overall growth of the learner. It placed emphasis on creativity, critical thinking and problem solving, with the aim of preparing young people for modern work and social life.
The approval notice, released on Tuesday, December 23, confirms curriculum support materials that meet required standards for senior school learners. It also outlines how learning at this level will be organised, with Grade 10 learners expected to undertake seven learning areas that combine compulsory subjects with selected options.
KNEC dismissed claims that the grading model is confusing or designed to water down standards, warning schools against sharing what it described as false and misleading interpretations of results. The council said it had noted reports circulating in some schools showing aggregate scores and mean grades, which do not apply to KJSEA.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation on Tuesday, she said the curriculum pushes learners to think widely and to work with others, a shift she believes is needed as the world changes.
The 8-4-4 system of education was born in 1985 when the first group of pupils sat the KCPE exams when Kenya switched from the previous 7-4-2-3 system to the then-new 8-4-4.