CBC Schools in Kenya: A Parent's Guide from Pre-Primary to Grade 9
Quick answer: CBC (Competency-Based Curriculum, also called Competency-Based Education or CBE) is Kenya's current school system. It replaces the old 8-4-4 structure and organises learning into pre-primary, primary, junior school and senior school, with learners assessed on skills and competencies, not only exams. When choosing a CBC school, check which grades it teaches and how it will carry your child through to junior and senior school. Find CBC schools near you on EnrollQ.
> Day 4 of 7. Yesterday: Private school fees in Kenya 2027. Tomorrow: Grade 10 senior school placement 2027.
What is CBC in Kenya?
The Competency-Based Curriculum focuses on what a learner can do, not only what they can recall. It was developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) and is implemented under the Ministry of Education. The last KCPE exams under the old 8-4-4 system were sat in 2023, and 8-4-4 is being phased out, with the final KCSE exams due to close in 2027 according to KNEC reporting (Mwananchi).
The CBC levels at a glance
Level Grades What parents should know
- Pre-primary PP1, PP2 Play-based early learning; many schools also offer Playgroup
- Lower primary Grades 1 to 3 Foundational literacy, numeracy and skills
- Upper primary Grades 4 to 6 Ends with the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA)
- Junior school Grades 7 to 9 Ends with the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA)
- Senior school Grades 10 to 12 Learners choose pathways and subject combinations
Check with your school for the full detail on subjects and assessments at each level.
How learners are assessed
Under CBC, assessment is continuous. Placement into senior school draws on three parts: KJSEA in Grade 9 (60%), KPSEA in Grade 6 (20%), and school-based assessments in Grades 7 and 8 (20%) (The Standard). That means performance across several years matters, so a school's consistent teaching and record-keeping are important. Read the full explanation in Day 5.
Questions to ask a CBC school
- Which grades do you teach: Playgroup to Grade 6, or through Grade 9 and beyond?
- Is junior school on the same campus? Some schools run primary and junior school separately.
- How are school-based assessments recorded and shared with parents?
- How do you support learners who need extra help?
- What co-curricular activities (sports, music, STEM, clubs) are included?
Some schools publish this clearly. For instance, fee guides show private schools offering CBC from Playgroup to Grade 6, with junior secondary handled separately, while others run all the way to Grade 10 (BusinessRadar, BusinessRadar).
Choosing by your child's stage
Pre-primary (PP1 to PP2)
Look for safe, stimulating classrooms, trained early-years teachers, and a gentle routine. Visiting during class time shows the real atmosphere.
Primary (Grades 1 to 6)
Prioritise strong literacy and numeracy teaching, and clear communication about progress.
Junior school (Grades 7 to 9)
Ask about subject teachers, labs or workshops, and how the school prepares learners for KJSEA and the pathways ahead.
Think ahead to senior school
Because Grade 10 placement is centrally managed, parents should ask what support a junior school gives learners in choosing pathways and subject combinations. See Day 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CBC stand for in Kenya?
CBC stands for Competency-Based Curriculum, also referred to as Competency-Based Education (CBE). It focuses on developing skills and competencies in learners.
What are the levels in CBC?
Pre-primary (PP1 to PP2), primary (Grades 1 to 6), junior school (Grades 7 to 9) and senior school (Grades 10 to 12).
Is 8-4-4 still being used?
The 8-4-4 system is being phased out, with the final KCSE exams scheduled to close in 2027, according to KNEC.
How do I find CBC schools near me?
Search by location on EnrollQ, then confirm the grades offered and current vacancies with each school.
Do all private schools in Kenya follow CBC?
Most do, but some offer British or International Baccalaureate programmes. Check the curriculum before enrolling.
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Find CBC schools in your area: Search on EnrollQ.
Sources: [KICD](https://kicd.ac.ke), [Ministry of Education](https://www.education.go.ke), [The Standard](https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/amp/education/article/2001536594/how-the-new-senior-school-placement-will-work), [Mwananchi / KNEC](https://mwananchi.co.tz/kenya/news/education/knec-junior-school-students-to-sit-national-examination-4883378).