CBE transforming learners critical thinking, says Ogamba
Education
By
Mike Kihaki
| Oct 20, 2025
Nine years since adoption of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the country is witnessing a steady transformation in how learners think, create, and solve problems.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba noted that the system now evolving into Competency-Based Education (CBE), is shaping a new generation equipped with practical skills and innovative mindsets crucial for Kenya’s future.
The CS hail the ongoing implementation of CBE, noting that it represents a significant shift from rote learning to a model anchored on skills, creativity, and character formation.
“We are nurturing learners who can think critically, innovate, and find solutions to the challenges facing our communities. The Competency-Based model aligns perfectly with our national vision of a skilled and self-reliant population,” said Ogamba.
He said the government remains committed to ensuring that the system achieves its core objective of producing “competent citizens ready for work and life.”
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The CS added that the Ministry of Education is enhancing collaboration with universities, teacher training colleges, and industry players to ensure the success of CBE.
“Our goal is to build a seamless system from pre-primary to university that focuses on competence rather than content. This is how we prepare our youth tto meet the emerging market trends,” he said.
Dr Josoephine Wanjiku, a lecturer at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) and Director at Grasten Academy in Juja, saying CBE has already begun to yield visible results in learners’
behavior, engagement, and creativity.
“Learners today are more confident, curious, and practical. They are gaining hands-on experience through activities like designing, building, and crafting, which prepares them for
real-world challenges,” she said.
Dr. Wanjiku noted that in the new education curriculum, individualized learning one of the core principles of CBE allows learners to progress at their own pace, accommodating
diverse learning needs and styles.
She added that this flexibility has enhanced student engagement and contributed to reduced dropout rates.
“Students are discovering their talents early and specializing in areas that align with their strengths. This not only keeps them interested in school but also helps the country tap into
diverse talents essential for national growth,” she said.
Teachers have also thrown their weight behind the system with Paul Muhia in Machakos terming CBE as “a healthy model for both current and future generations,” calling it
transformational in shaping productive and responsible citizens.
“Learners can now identify and nurture their abilities early enough. This will go a long way in creating a generation that contributes meaningfully to national development,” Muhia said.
However, he urged the government to bridge existing gaps in teacher training and infrastructure to fully realize the benefits of the system.
National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa lauded CBE for its inclusive approach saying the model has encouraged more parental and community involvement in
learning.
“We now play an active role in our children’s education. Despite the costs and teething problems, it’s clear that this model is shaping responsible, independent thinkers,” Obuhatsa
said.
He further said, as the country continues to refine its education reforms, the consensus among educators, parents, and policymakers is clear CBE is molding a generation ready to
innovate, create, and solve tomorrow’s problems.