The Ministry of Education convened a National Conversation on April 24, 2025, to reflect on the progress of Competency-Based Education (CBE) and address key issues emerging from county-level stakeholder dialogues held across the country. The forum brought together education officials, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing CBE implementation and deliberate on the transition from Junior to Senior School.

During the forum, participants reviewed highlights from county reports, which captured public feedback on curriculum design, teacher capacity, parental engagement, and assessment standards. A major focus was the transition of learners from Grade 9 to Grade 10, including the implementation of career pathways and assessment readiness.

Key milestones since the 2023 Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms were showcased, including the successful domicile of Junior Schools in primary institutions, construction of over 16,000 new classrooms, recruitment of 76,000 Junior School teachers, and the rationalisation of Grade 9 learning areas. In addition, the MoE has revised the Basic Education Curriculum Framework and grading systems to align with CBE principles.

However, challenges remain. Counties raised concerns about curriculum localisation, gaps in infrastructure for STEM education, insufficient resources in marginalised areas, and limited access to updated learning materials. Stakeholders also called for more structured career guidance, particularly as learners prepare for pathway selection in Senior School.

To address these concerns, the MoE has undertaken key initiatives, including the development of career guidance manuals, distribution of digital and printed curriculum support materials, and ongoing teacher training in competency-based assessment. The Ministry is also working with development partners to equip schools with STEM resources and ensure inclusive education for learners with special needs.

Parental involvement was highlighted as a vital area, with calls for simplified, multilingual communication about CBE and the use of community media for outreach. Additionally, transition and re-entry policies are being strengthened to support dropouts and vulnerable learners.

As the CBE model continues to evolve, the National Conversation reinforced the government’s commitment to inclusive, relevant, and skills-oriented education tailored to Kenya’s diverse needs.