Quick Answer
Every child in Kenya has a right to free and compulsory basic education. The system has moved from the old 8-4-4 to Competency-Based Education (CBE) on a 2-6-3-3-3 structure, run by the national government with counties handling pre-primary education.
Key facts
- Basic education is a right — free and compulsory (Articles 43 and 53).
- Kenya now uses Competency-Based Education (CBE), replacing 8-4-4.
- The structure is 2-6-3-3-3 from pre-primary to university.
- The national level runs most of education; counties run pre-primary (ECDE).
The right to education
The Constitution guarantees every person the right to education (Article 43) and every child the right to free and compulsory basic education (Article 53).
The CBE system
Kenya has shifted from the exam-heavy 8-4-4 system to Competency-Based Education (CBE) — introduced as the CBC in 2017 and rebranded CBE — which emphasises skills and runs on a 2-6-3-3-3 structure.
Explained in detail in the CBE structure guide below.
Who runs education
Education is mostly a national function — policy, curriculum, exams, teachers and universities — while counties handle pre-primary (ECDE) and village polytechnics.
Why this matters to you
Education shapes your children’s future and is one of the largest claims on public money. Knowing the system — the right to free basic education, the new CBE pathways — helps families navigate it and demand what they are owed.
Frequently asked questions
Is basic education free in Kenya?
Basic education is constitutionally free and compulsory for children (Article 53).
What replaced the 8-4-4 system?
Competency-Based Education (CBE), on a 2-6-3-3-3 structure.
Who runs pre-primary education?
County governments (ECDE).
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Articles 43 and 53 — klrc.go.ke
- Ministry of Education — education.go.ke
- Basic Education Act, 2013 — kenyalaw.org