The competence Based Curriculum (CBC) structure in Kenya adopts the 2-6-6-3 approach that allows learners to proceed up to University level of education.
With the new CBC system of Education, it allows learners to spend 2 years in pre-primary, another 6 years in Primary, 6 years in Secondary school (that is 3 years for junior school and 3 for senior school) as those those who proceed to university will spend 3 years.
Under the CBC , university education is that highest level of education institutions just like the previous 8 4 4 System of education.
The new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has taken center stage in the country thus bringing in a transformative approach to learning system.
However ,to many is a question CBC students will eventually tread the path to university education with this system.
Fortunately, there are many advantages of CBC over the previous 8-4-4 system.as the major core competencies in it aims to instill more benefits to students.
competency-based curriculum, as prioritizes what learners can do rather than what they know as well as why the teacher knows .
The system identifies and nurtures the potential or abilities within each student, thus guiding them through different stages of education and development .
Unlike previous education systems that only relied on winners and losers,the new CBC system of education ensures that students grasp the core syllabus as well as doing discovery and pursuing their individual interests.
The clear Differences between 8-4-4 and CBC
There are clear disparities between the 8-4-4 and CBC systems which are crucial for appreciating the advantages of the new system.
Her are some of the key differences which are at the same time advantageous.
| The new
Competency-Based Curriculum |
The old 8-4-4 |
| It is Learner Oriented | it is exam oriented |
| The Teacher is to Guide | The teacher is a Knowledge Source |
| It is learner-Based | It is teacher-Based |
| Has Varied Grading Criteria | Has Uniform Student Grading |
| Has Smaller Learning Slots | Has Monotony and Student Dropout |
| It takes 2-6-6-3 Structure (17 Years) | it takes 8-4-4 Structure (16 Years) |
The CBC Advantages to learners
The new CBC brings several advantages over the old 8-4-4 system.
The Principal Secretary (PS) in the Education Ministry Bellio Kipsang when he appeared before Education committee for vetting on November 30th, 2022 meeting ; Image/courtesy
Among the advantages include CBC focusing on individual competencies.
It also ensures that students develop critical skills such as communication, collaboration as well critical thinking on their own.
The learners also gain problem-solving skills , enhanced creativity, proper imagination,role of citizenship, the self-efficacy,mastery of digital literacy as well as the ability to learn on their own.
