Ministry Sets Deadline for CBC Rollout in Universities Countrywide

Kenyan universities have been given until the end of this year to adopt a new competency-based education system as the government prepares for the first group of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) students expected to join universities in 2029.

The Ministry of Education is working closely with the Commission for University Education (CUE) to complete the new framework. Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Dr Carol Hunja, confirmed that experts are already developing the plan.

According to Hunja, the framework will guide universities on how to design courses, train lecturers, and assess students. This marks a major shift from the traditional 8-4-4 system, which focused more on theory and exams.

She explained that the new system will help universities identify gaps early and prepare better before the first CBC students arrive. The framework is expected to be ready before the end of this year, giving institutions limited time to adjust.

Kenya is currently moving from the 8-4-4 system to the 2-6-3-3 model, which focuses more on skills and practical learning. Because of this, universities will need to change how they teach and move towards a more hands-on approach.

Under the new system, students will be trained in important skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and digital knowledge. These are skills that CBC learners are already developing in lower levels of education.

Lecturers are expected to undergo retraining so they can shift from traditional teaching methods to more practical and interactive learning styles.

Science-related courses are also expected to grow, with about 60 percent of students likely to choose STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.

Hunja said the goal is to produce graduates who can compete globally and meet modern job market demands. However, she admitted that the transition is complex and requires proper planning.

Through CUE, the government is putting systems in place to ensure a smooth shift. This includes updating course standards, accreditation processes, and quality checks to match the new competency-based model before 2029.