Kenyan parents are increasingly withdrawing children from the competency-based curriculum (CBC) in favor of international syllabi, reflecting growing concerns over the new system's implementation.
The first cohort of CBC students, who completed Grade Six in 2022, will transition to junior secondary in 2023, marking a critical phase in the curriculum's rollout. However, many families are bypassing CBC entirely, opting for schools offering international programs despite their higher costs.
Private institutions, once limited to elite demographics, now report surging demand for international curricula. Schools like Makini and Rose of Sharon Academy now offer CBC, 8-4-4, and Cambridge International Curriculum (CIC) options, with fees ranging from Sh176,000 to Sh319,500 annually depending on the program.
Curriculum Diversification ¶
Makini Schools, inspected by Cambridge Assessment Institute, reports 500 students switching from CBC to the Cambridge system. Director of Communications Ms. Katya Nyangi stated, "We took this on with no compromise on the national curriculum," emphasizing the school's dual approach.
Rose of Sharon Academy's brochure highlights the CIC's focus on "broad and balanced education," offering 10 subjects including mathematics, science, and English. However, parents face additional costs for textbooks, devices, and transport, with fees excluding these expenses.
Admission to popular international programs has become highly competitive. Cavina School informed a parent their child remained on a waiting list for over a year, while another parent cited CBC's "grey areas" as a reason for switching. Kiota School, meanwhile, integrates international elements into its CBC framework, blending local and global educational standards.
St. Mary’s, a long-standing private institution, will introduce CIC alongside CBC and IB programs, stating it aims to "continue providing a stimulating environment" for student growth.
