By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, December 28 2025 - President William Ruto has moved to reassure parents, teachers and learners that Kenya is ready for the biggest test yet of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), urging leaders to keep politics out of classrooms as the pioneer cohort prepares to join senior school in January 2026.
Speaking during a church service at Covenant Church International in Rotian, Narok County, the President said government preparations were complete and fully funded, dismissing concerns that schools lack the space, staff or money needed for the transition.
“For the first time under CBC, our children will be moving to senior school next January, and no learner will be left behind,” Ruto said. “We have planned, we have budgeted, and we are ready.”
His remarks come amid rising public debate and anxiety among parents, following reports questioning whether senior schools are adequately equipped to absorb the first Grade 9 cohort. Ruto described such claims as misleading and warned against what he termed “small politics” around education reforms.
According to the President, the government has already recruited 100,000 teachers to support the CBC rollout, while 23,000 new classrooms have been constructed nationwide. He added that 1,600 laboratories are set for completion by March 2026, strengthening science and technical learning.
On funding, Ruto said the Treasury has released Sh44 billion to support the transition, guaranteeing a capitation of Sh22,000 per learner. He assured parents that funds would reach schools before students report in January.
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The shift to senior school marks a historic milestone for the CBC, which replaces the traditional exam-heavy system with one focused on skills, talent and learner choice. Under the new structure, senior school will cover Grades 10 to 12 and introduce clear academic pathways designed to reflect students’ interests and abilities.
Learners will choose between two broad options: a double pathway combining STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) with Arts and Sports Science, or a triple pathway that adds Social Sciences to STEM and Arts. Education officials say the approach is meant to help students specialise earlier while remaining flexible enough for future career and higher education choices.
The Ministry of Education has also reorganised senior schools to ensure fair placement, factoring in accommodation, gender balance and special needs.
Ruto called on parents, teachers and political leaders to support learners through the transition, saying the success of CBC depends on unity and trust. “This reform is about our children’s future, not political competition,” he said.
