The introduction of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) brought about a slew of changes in Kenya’s educational system.
This includes the subjects to be studied as well as the number of years students will need to complete their education circle.
Learners will spend a total of 17 years in school under the new 2-6-3-3-3 education system including two years in pre-primary, six years in primary school, three years in junior secondary school, three years in senior secondary school and three years in University.
Learners spent a total of 18 years in school under the 8-4-4 system,including eight years in primary school with pre-primary, four years in secondary school, and four years in University.
The CBC is currently being implemented in grade 5. Learners will advance to grade 6 on April 25,the start of the first term of 2021/2022 academic year.
Later this year, grade 6 students will take the first national CBC assessment test, the Kenya Certificate of Basic Education Exam (KCBE).
In January 2023,1.24 million pioneer KCBE candidates will begin attending junior secondary school. At this point the academic calender will revert to the standard January-November schedule.
Junior secondary education will last three years.
Teachers and councillors will provide the necessary guidance to bridge the gap between education and career.
Learners typically exhibit higher level of engagement and motivation when they have a clear idea of what they want to do or become in life.
As a result, the new system will allow students to select optional subjects based on their personality, abilities, interests and career goals.
In junior secondary, there are a total of seven optional subjects.
Learners will be able to select a minimum of one and up to two optional subjects.
Visual arts, performing arts, home science and computer science are among them. Learners will also have the option of studying foreign languages.
There are several language options available including German, French, Arabic, Chinese and mandarin.
Students will also have the option of studying an indigenous language of their choice.
This includes kamba, digo, luhya, maa, idakho, somali and ogiek.
There will also be the option for students to study Kenya sign language.
