Junior School 101

Understanding Kenya Competency-Based Education (CBE)

Junior School. For many parents in Kenya today, those two words still carry a mix of emotions. Excitement. Curiosity. Concern. Even a bit of confusion. And honestly, that’s completely normal.

Over the past few years, the Competency-Based Education (CBE), formerly Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), has moved from theory to reality. The first cohorts are already in Junior School, and families are no longer asking “What is CBE?” but rather “Is my child on the right path?”

This guide breaks things down simply, clearly, and honestly, based on what is actually happening on the ground in Kenya today.

So, What Is Junior School?

Junior School refers to Grades 7 to 9 in Kenya’s CBE system. It sits within the middle level of education, which looks like this:

- Early Years Education: Pre-primary + Grades 1-3

- Middle School: Grades 4-6 (Upper Primary) + Grades 7-9 (Junior School)

- Senior School: Grades 10-12.

In simple terms, Junior School is the bridge between primary school and specialization in Senior School.

This is where things start to shift:

- Learning becomes more practical and skill-based.

- Learners are exposed to new subjects and career directions.

- Independence and critical thinking are emphasized more than ever before.

State of Implementation (The reality on the ground)

When Junior School was first introduced, there were many unknowns. Today, things are clearer, but not perfect.

Milestones achieved so far include:

Junior School is now fully implemented

Learners are now fully spread across Grades 7, 8, and 9, with the system firmly in motion. What began as a pilot phase has matured into a real, active, and continuously evolving part of Kenya’s education system. The first cohort has already completed junior secondary and transitioned to Senior School, marking a major milestone for CBE. Meanwhile, the second cohort is preparing to sit their national assessments at the end of 2026 as they transition to Senior School, offering a clearer picture of how the system is functioning in practice.

Junior School is domiciled in Primary School

Junior School is now fully hosted within existing Primary Schools. This approach was a deliberate response to earlier concerns around age, safety, overall readiness, and transition challenges.

By keeping learners in familiar environments, it has largely eliminated the need for transfers, along with the disruptions that often come with them. It has also reduced the risks associated with mixing with much older students, while easing the financial burden on families.

Schools are still catching up

Let us be honest – not all schools are equally prepared. While some have made strong progress, with improved classrooms, better-trained teachers, and access to the necessary learning materials, others are still facing real challenges. In some schools, congestion remains a concern, facilities, especially for practical subjects, are limited, and there are gaps in teacher availability, particularly in specialized areas.

What Still Worries Parents Today

Even today, many parents continue to share similar concerns, now shaped by the realities of how CBE is being implemented on the ground. We explore some of these concerns below.

The reality of learning and adjustment

While Competency-Based Education is designed to promote practical, skill-based learning, the reality in some schools is different. In certain cases, learning still feels too theoretical, largely due to limited resources and uneven readiness across institutions.

Teacher preparedness

Although teacher training has improved over time, gaps still remain, especially in newer learning areas such as pre-technical studies and in the use of continuous assessment methods. This affects how confidently and effectively the curriculum is delivered in the classroom.

Assessment clarity

CBE relies on a combination of school-based assessments such as projects, practical work, and class activities, and national assessments like KPSEA. While this blended approach is strong in principle, many parents still struggle to clearly track progress or compare performance across different schools in a meaningful way.

Cost of learning

Cost remains a very real concern. Even in public schools, parents are often required to contribute toward learning materials, projects, and practical activities, as well as general school development needs. As a result, CBE can feel more expensive than expected, particularly for subjects that require hands-on learning.

The Bigger Question About the Future

Many parents are now asking a deeper, long-term question: whether this system will truly prepare their children for Senior School, university, and ultimately the job market. This uncertainty continues to shape how families experience and respond to the ongoing changes in education.

How Are Learners Assessed?

Assessment under CBE is continuous – not just about one final exam. The goal is to evaluate not just memory, but also skills, understanding, and application. However, in practice, consistency across schools is still improving.

At the end of Grade 6, learners sit the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA). Their overall performance considers:

- School-based assessments (major portion)

- KPSEA (national exam).

This combined score helps guide placement and progression.

What Do Learners Study in Junior School?

Junior School introduces a broader and more practical curriculum. The following subjects form part of the curriculum at Junior school:

- English

- Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language

- Mathematics

- Integrated Science

- Pre-Technical Studies

- Social Studies

- Religious Education

- Agriculture

- Creative Arts and Sports

- Foreign Languages (French, German, Mandarin, Arabic)

- Indigenous Languages

- Pastoral Program of Instruction.

The Big Shift: Preparing for Senior School

At the end of Grade 9, learners transition to Senior School (Grades 10–12), where they choose a career pathway from among 3 options:

- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

- Social Sciences

- Arts and Sports Science

This is where career direction starts to take shape more clearly, and it is exactly why Junior School matters so much – it lays the foundation for what comes next.

What Should Parents Be Doing Right Now?

This is where things become practical. Instead of waiting for the system to be perfect, parents can take simple but powerful steps to support their children’s learning journey including:

Stay informed

Keep up with how the CBE system is evolving so they can better support their children. This includes regularly following school communication such as notices, meetings, and updates from teachers, as well as staying aware of any changes in the curriculum and how subjects are taught. It also involves understanding assessment changes so they can make sense of how their children are being evaluated through both school-based work and national assessments.

Focus on skills, not just grades

This requires shifting attention from exam scores to what a learner is actually able to do and what they enjoy doing. Instead of focusing only on marks, parents are encouraged to consider what the learner can do well and what naturally interests them. This approach helps to uncover a child’s strengths, talents, and potential beyond classroom tests. In a system like CBE, where practical abilities and competencies are important, this mindset supports learners to discover their passions, and develop real-life skills that prepare them for the future.

Support exploration

Endeavor to intentionally exposing the child to opportunities that help them understand themselves and the world around them. This includes guiding them on how to approach career planning, introducing them to different career paths, and giving them practical experiences that make learning real and relatable. It also involves helping them use digital learning tools that broaden their access to information and skills. Together, these experiences build curiosity, confidence, and clarity as learners begin to discover what they are good at and where their future possibilities may lie.

Work with the school

Build a strong partnership with teachers and the school in support of the learner’s growth. This involves actively engaging with teachers, asking thoughtful questions, and seeking clarity whenever needed to better understand the child’s progress and learning needs. When parents and schools work together consistently, it creates a supportive environment where challenges are addressed early, learning is strengthened, and the learner is given the best possible chance to succeed.

A Final Thought

CBE, and junior secondary in particular, is still evolving and being refined as it takes root across the country. But one thing is already clear – the world has changed, and education has to change with it. The real opportunity today is not simply to go through the system, but to engage with it intentionally and meaningfully, so that learners can discover who they are, what they are capable of, and where their future can take them.