Kenyan Schools Face Tough Transition as 8-4-4 and CBC Curriculums Collide
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By John Kariuki
Dr. Paul Wanjohi, the Executive Director of Sharp Education Centre, has warned of mounting challenges as schools prepare to run both the traditional 8-4-4 system and the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) from January 2026, when the pioneer CBC class joins senior schools.
He noted that operating two parallel systems, though necessary during the transition, demands careful planning, strong leadership, and adaptive management. “Schools will need to strike a delicate balance if quality education is to be sustained,” he said.
Among the hurdles Dr. Wanjohi highlighted are timetable clashes that complicate scheduling, teacher shortages that stretch existing staff, and inadequate infrastructure as classrooms strain to host learners under both systems. He added that parents are already feeling the pinch of higher levies, while schools grapple with expanding resources without imposing unsustainable costs.
He also pointed to confusion around the gradual phasing out of 8-4-4, urging schools to improve communication with parents, teachers, and learners to build confidence in the transition.
To ease the burden, Dr. Wanjohi proposed flexible timetabling, continuous teacher training, repurposing existing facilities, and tapping into collaborative financing models involving parents, alumni, and well-wishers. Above all, he emphasized transparency and consistent communication to maintain trust.
While acknowledging the complexity of the dual system, Dr. Wanjohi believes the transition presents a chance for innovation. “With proper planning and resilience, Kenyan schools can turn this challenge into an opportunity to strengthen education for the future,” he concluded.
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