What is CBE?
CBE is Kenya's education approach that emphasises what learners can do with what they know. Instead of defining success purely by exam scores, it nurtures each learner's potential through practical, meaningful learning experiences.
Understanding Competency-Based Education
Understanding CBE
CBE in a Nutshell
Kenya's Competency-Based Education (CBE), guided by the Basic Education Curriculum Framework from KICD, shifts the focus from memorising content to developing competencies — the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values learners can demonstrate and apply in real life.
Its vision is to nurture every learner into an engaged, empowered and ethical citizen.
Playgroup, PP1, PP2
Early Years
Play-based foundations
Grade 1–3
Lower Primary
Literacy, numeracy & discovery
Grade 4–6
Upper Primary
Broader learning areas
Grade 7–9
Junior School
Exploration & career awareness
Grade 10–12
Senior School
Pathway specialisation
Core Competencies
The Seven Core Competencies
These competencies are developed in every learning area, at every level — they are the heart of CBE.
Communication and Collaboration
Expressing ideas clearly, listening actively and working effectively with others.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Analysing situations, asking questions and finding creative, reasoned solutions.
Creativity and Imagination
Generating original ideas and expressing them through art, design and innovation.
Citizenship
Understanding rights and responsibilities and contributing positively to community and nation.
Digital Literacy
Using technology safely, responsibly and creatively to learn and solve problems.
Learning to Learn
Becoming an independent learner who reflects, organises and keeps growing.
Self-Efficacy
Believing in one's ability to succeed, take initiative and persevere.
For Parents
Your Questions About CBE, Answered
What competencies are developed?
The framework identifies seven core competencies: Communication and Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Creativity and Imagination, Citizenship, Digital Literacy, Learning to Learn, and Self-Efficacy. These are developed across every learning area.
How are learners assessed?
Assessment is continuous and largely formative — teachers observe, use projects, portfolios, oral work and written tasks to understand progress and give feedback. Learners are described against performance levels (such as Exceeding, Meeting, Approaching and Below Expectations) rather than ranked against each other. National assessments by KNEC take place at key points in the journey.
What is learner-centred learning?
Learners are at the centre of the lesson. Teachers act as facilitators who design activities — experiments, discussions, role-play, projects — where children actively construct understanding, rather than passively receiving information.
What is talent development?
CBE recognises that learners have different gifts. Through music, drama, art, sports and clubs, schools help learners identify and grow their talents — which also informs pathway choices in Senior School.
What are Senior School pathways?
In Senior School (Grade 10–12), learners specialise in one of three pathways — STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports Science — based on their interests, abilities and potential.
What role do parents play?
Parents are key partners: supporting projects and assignments at home, encouraging reading, providing materials when needed, attending meetings, and communicating with teachers about their child's interests and progress.
Senior School
The Three Pathways
Admissions Open
Ready to Join Our School Family?
Start your child's journey with us today. Applications are processed securely through SkulManager.