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CBC Curriculum Explorer — Grades PP1 to 12

Explore the complete Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) structure. Find learning areas, strands, and sub-strands for every grade level from PP1 through Senior Secondary.

🎓 Education & CBCKenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)Rarely changes

Pre-Primary

PP1, PP2 • Ages 4–5 years • 2 years

Previous system equivalent: Nursery / KG

5 Learning Areas

Learning Areas

Language Activities

Developing communication skills in English and Kiswahili through stories, songs, and play

Mathematical Activities

Number recognition, counting, sorting, and basic spatial awareness

Environmental Activities

Exploring the immediate environment — plants, animals, weather, and community

Psychomotor & Creative Activities

Art, craft, music, movement, and physical development

Religious Education Activities

Moral values, simple Bible/Quran stories, and social responsibility

CBC vs 8-4-4 Comparison

CBC GradeAge8-4-4 EquivalentCBC Level
PP14 yearsNurseryPre-Primary
PP25 yearsKG / Pre-UnitPre-Primary
Grade 16 yearsStandard 1Lower Primary
Grade 27 yearsStandard 2Lower Primary
Grade 38 yearsStandard 3Lower Primary
Grade 49 yearsStandard 4Upper Primary
Grade 510 yearsStandard 5Upper Primary
Grade 611 yearsStandard 6Upper Primary
Grade 712 yearsStandard 7Junior Secondary (JSS)
Grade 813 yearsStandard 8Junior Secondary (JSS)
Grade 914 yearsForm 1Junior Secondary (JSS)
Grade 1015 yearsForm 2Senior Secondary (SSS)
Grade 1116 yearsForm 3Senior Secondary (SSS)
Grade 1217 yearsForm 4Senior Secondary (SSS)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CBC education system in Kenya?
The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) replaced the 8-4-4 system. It uses a 2-6-3-3-3 structure: 2 years Pre-Primary, 6 years Primary (Lower + Upper), 3 years Junior Secondary, and 3 years Senior Secondary. It focuses on developing competencies rather than rote memorization.
What subjects are taught in CBC Kenya?
CBC subjects vary by level. Pre-Primary has Language, Mathematical, Environmental, Psychomotor, and Religious activities. Primary adds English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Science & Technology, and more. Junior Secondary introduces Integrated Science, Computer Science, and Business Studies.
What are the three Senior Secondary pathways?
Grade 10–12 students choose one of three pathways: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Arts & Sports Science (visual/performing arts, sports), or Social Sciences (humanities, business, economics).
When did CBC start in Kenya?
CBC was piloted in 2017 and fully rolled out starting 2019 with PP1 and Grade 1. Junior Secondary (Grade 7) began in 2023. Senior Secondary (Grade 10) is being phased in from 2026.
What is the equivalent of Form 1 in CBC?
Form 1 in the old 8-4-4 system is roughly equivalent to Grade 9 (JSS 3) in CBC. Grade 7 replaced Standard 7, and the Junior Secondary (JSS) covers what was previously late primary and early secondary.

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