Kenya’s education system has evolved significantly over the past four decades. The 8-4-4 system, introduced in 1985, dominated for nearly 40 years before being replaced by the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2017. By 2025–2026, CBC had been refined into Competency-Based Education (CBE), providing a full transition as the first CBC cohort entered senior school in January 2026.
This article explores the key differences, benefits, challenges, and implications of these systems.
1. Structure and Duration
8-4-4 System
- 8 years primary + 4 years secondary + 4 years university (~16 years total)
- Rigid, uniform path with little specialization early
- All learners follow the same academic trajectory
CBC/CBE
- 2 years pre-primary + 6 years primary + 3 years junior secondary + 3 years senior secondary + tertiary
- Senior school introduces pathways: STEM, Social Sciences, Arts & Sports Science, plus a technical track for dual certification
- Early talent identification and personalized learning reduce the “one-size-fits-all” limitation of 8-4-4
2. Teaching and Learning Approach
8-4-4
- Teacher-centered, lecture-based
- Heavy focus on content coverage and knowledge recall
- Lessons geared toward high-stakes exams
CBC/CBE
- Learner-centered, practical, and activity-based
- Focus on 7 core competencies:
- Communication & collaboration
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Creativity & imagination
- Citizenship
- Learning to learn
- Self-efficacy
- Digital literacy
- Lessons include experiments, projects, and real-life applications (e.g., growing plants to understand biology)
- Integration of digital tools, infrastructure, and industry-aligned learning under CBE
3. Assessment and Grading
8-4-4
- Summative, exam-focused
- High-stakes national exams (KCPE, KCSE) determined learner progression
- Percentage-based grading and ranking caused intense competition
CBC/CBE
- Continuous, formative, competency-based assessment (CBA)
- Combines classroom activities, projects, portfolios, practical tasks, and national exams (KPSEA, KJSEA, KCBE)
- 40% school-based + 60% national in key stages
- Emphasis on mastery, improvement, and feedback instead of ranking
- Reduces exam pressure and promotes mental well-being
4. Career Preparation and Pathways
8-4-4
- Specialization only after Form 4
- Success largely based on exam scores
- Limited support for non-academic talents
- Graduates often strong in theory but lacking practical skills
CBC/CBE
- Early exploration in junior school, specialization in senior school
- Placement considers achievement levels, psychometric tests, interests, and talents
- Offers pathways for over 350 careers, including technical/artisan dual certification
- Ensures equity: no learner is denied placement
5. Benefits and Strengths
| Aspect | 8-4-4 | CBC/CBE |
|---|---|---|
| Development | Academic focus | Holistic: academic, social, emotional, practical |
| Learning | Rote memorization | Practical, competency-based, learner-centered |
| Skills | Theoretical | 21st-century skills: communication, problem-solving, digital literacy |
| Career | Late specialization | Early pathways, multiple career options |
| Stress | High exam pressure | Reduced anxiety, continuous feedback |
Surveys indicate ~78% of stakeholders favor CBC/CBE for its holistic approach.
6. Challenges
8-4-4
- Heavy reliance on rote learning
- High stress and inequality
- Graduates often underprepared for the job market
CBC/CBE
- Implementation hurdles: teacher training gaps, resource shortages, lab and infrastructure needs
- Higher cost for projects and activities
- Inconsistent assessment feedback in some schools
- Transition challenges for teachers and administrators
CBE has addressed some CBC pain points through streamlined pathways, digital integration, and cost management, but success depends on sustained investment.
7. Why the Shift and Where We Stand in 2026
The transition from 8-4-4 to CBC, and now CBE, aimed to:
- Move away from rote learning
- Reduce exam pressure
- Align education with 21st-century skills and employability
- Support equitable access and early talent development
By 2026, with the first senior school cohort under CBE, Kenya is testing the system’s potential: producing ethical, confident, and future-ready learners.
At Dreams Hill School, we embrace CBE’s vision, empowering learners with practical, competency-driven education that prepares them for real-world success.
