CBC in Kenya: A Great Idea or Growing Challenge? Let’s Talk About It.

Ever since Kenya rolled out the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), conversations about it have never stopped — from dinner tables to WhatsApp groups and PTA meetings. Parents have opinions, teachers have experiences, and students are right at the center of it all.

So, what’s really happening? Let’s look at what the numbers — and parents — are saying.

1. Parents Know About CBC — But Not Everyone’s Convinced

According to a Twaweza survey (2023), almost 96% of Kenyans have heard about CBC. Awareness is not the issue. But when asked whether it’s an improvement over the old 8-4-4 system, only 47% said yes, while 38% still preferred the old one.

That means the country is almost split in the middle, some parents see CBC as a breath of fresh air, while others feel it’s just change for the sake of change.

💬 “I love that my daughter is learning to think critically, not just cram,” one parent in Nairobi said.💬 “But honestly, the confusion and extra costs are overwhelming,” another added.

2. The Cost Question — Is CBC Too Expensive?

This is where nearly every parent agrees. A Kenya Times report (2024) revealed that 74% of parents want the cost of CBC lowered. From constant purchases of materials to multiple exercise books, many feel the financial pressure is too high.

💬 “We’re told to buy manila papers, glue, bottle tops — every week it’s something new,” a parent in Nakuru shared.

CBC was designed to make learning practical — but in reality, it’s becoming costly for many families, especially in public schools.

3. Are Teachers Ready?

While CBC sounds great on paper, its success depends on one key factor: teacher preparation. Yet, about 14% of parents in the same survey believe that teachers are not fully trained to deliver CBC effectively.

And teachers themselves agree, many say they need more resources, smaller class sizes, and clearer guidance.

💬 “We’re learning as we teach,” one teacher admitted during a forum in Kiambu. “It’s exciting, but it’s not easy.”

4. What About the Learners Themselves?

CBC is meant to be learner-centered encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. And in many schools, it’s working beautifully.

But some parents say their children are feeling overwhelmed. Reports show that about 12–14% of parents think CBC assignments are too demanding or not well explained.

💬 “My son spends hours cutting and coloring for a single project,” one parent noted. “It’s fun, but when does he rest?”

5. The Pathway Dilemma — STEM or Arts?

As CBC moves to senior secondary, learners will pick a pathway: STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts. Interestingly, a 2024 Education News survey found that only 33% of students chose STEM, the majority preferred Social Sciences or Arts.

Parents worry this could mean fewer students pursuing science and technology careers, though others argue it’s good that students follow their true passions.

So… Is CBC Working?

The honest answer? Yes — but not yet perfectly. CBC has strong potential to prepare learners for real life but challenges like cost, training, and communication need urgent attention.

The statistics show promise, but also growing frustration. It’s a system still finding its balance.

Let’s Hear From You

If you’re a parent, teacher, or student, what’s your experience so far?

• Do you feel CBC is giving real skills?

• Are the costs too high?

• Do teachers have enough support?

  
  

Share your thoughts in the comments or at our next parent discussion forum. Because the truth is, CBC will only succeed if all of us parents, teachers, and policymakers shape it together.

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