Quick Answer
Competency-Based Education (CBE), formerly called CBC, replaced the 8-4-4 system. It runs on a 2-6-3-3-3 structure — two years of pre-primary, six of primary, three of junior school, three of senior school, then university — and focuses on skills rather than exams alone.
Key facts
- CBE (formerly CBC) replaced 8-4-4.
- The structure is 2-6-3-3-3.
- Senior school has STEM, Social Sciences and Arts & Sports pathways.
- The first cohort entered senior school in January 2026.
From 8-4-4 to CBE
Introduced in 2017 as the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and later rebranded Competency-Based Education (CBE), the system shifts from the exam-driven 8-4-4 toward skills, projects and continuous assessment.
The 2-6-3-3-3 structure
Schooling is organised as:
- 2 years pre-primary (PP1–PP2);
- 6 years primary (lower, Grades 1–3, and upper, Grades 4–6);
- 3 years junior school (Grades 7–9);
- 3 years senior school (Grades 10–12);
- 3+ years university or tertiary training.
Senior school pathways and assessments
In senior school, learners choose a pathway — STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports Science. Progress is checked through assessments at Grade 6 (KPSEA), Grade 9 (KJSEA) and the end of senior school (KCSE). The first CBE cohort entered senior school in January 2026.
Why this matters to you
If you are a parent, this is the system your children are growing up in — different from the one you knew. Understanding the pathways and assessments helps you guide their choices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2-6-3-3-3 system?
Two years pre-primary, six primary, three junior school, three senior school, then university or tertiary training.
What are the senior-school pathways?
STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports Science.
Is CBC the same as CBE?
Yes — CBC was rebranded Competency-Based Education (CBE).
Sources & references
- Ministry of Education — education.go.ke
- Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) — kicd.ac.ke