Why 2025 Will Define the Future of CBC in Kenya: What to Expect.
Dr. Belio Kipsang, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, has highlighted 2025 as a defining year for Kenya’s education system.
For the first time, learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) will have completed the entire foundational cycle, encompassing two years in preschool, six years in primary school, and three years in junior secondary school.
“In 2025, our children will have gone through nine years of CBC, which represents a major milestone in our education reforms,” Dr. Kipsang said.
He explained that this achievement underscores the efforts of policymakers, educators, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to implement CBC since its introduction.
Career Pathways Begin for Students
One of the most critical developments in 2025 will be the moment learners make key decisions about their academic and career trajectories.
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Students will choose among three specialized pathways—STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), social sciences, and arts and creatives—based on their interests and competencies.
“This is the year our children will take the first steps toward shaping their futures by selecting the pathways that align with their strengths and aspirations,” Dr. Kipsang remarked.
He emphasized that the choices made in 2025 will lay the foundation for their senior school education and eventual careers.
Junior School Assessment and Placement
November 2025 will see the administration of the Kenya Junior School Assessment (KJSA), a critical evaluation to measure the learning outcomes of the CBC’s first full cohort.
The assessment will provide insights into the effectiveness of the curriculum while helping guide placement into senior schools.
Dr. Kipsang explained that this process is integral to ensuring a smooth transition for learners.
“The Kenya Junior School Assessment will define how well we have implemented the CBC system and prepare us for the next phase,” he said.
In December 2025, students will be placed in senior schools based on their performance and chosen pathways.
Preparations for this transition have been ongoing, with schools conducting simulations and putting infrastructure in place to handle the influx of learners.
Preparations for Senior School Transition
Dr. Kipsang highlighted the importance of senior schools in the CBC structure.
He noted that 2025 is also the year when significant work will be completed to prepare these schools to receive students transitioning from junior schools.
This involves not only infrastructure development but also ensuring that teachers are adequately trained to deliver the curriculum at this level.
“The transition from junior to senior school will be a critical moment, and we are committed to making it as seamless as possible,” Dr. Kipsang stated.
Collaboration for a Smooth Transition
As 2025 approaches, Dr. Kipsang called for continued collaboration among all education stakeholders.
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He emphasized that the success of the year depends on addressing key issues such as teacher readiness, curriculum delivery, and resource allocation.
“The year 2025 is not just a milestone; it is the culmination of nearly a decade of work. It represents the heart of what we have been building in competency-based education,” he said.
Dr. Kipsang’s remarks underscored the transformative potential of 2025, a year that will define Kenya’s education landscape and set the stage for the future of learning in the country.
Why 2025 Will Define the Future of CBC in Kenya: What to Expect.
