Understanding the CBE Model in Kenya
2-6-3-3-3 System: A Complete Guide to Competency-Based Education
Kenya's Competency-Based Education (CBE) system is designed to equip learners with practical skills, values, and competencies needed in real life. Replacing the 8-4-4 system, CBE follows the 2-6-3-3-3 structure and emphasizes continuous assessment over one-time exams.
This comprehensive guide explains how the system works, how learners are assessed from PP1 to Senior School, and how schools can stay compliant with KNEC assessment requirements.
The CBE Structure at a Glance
| Level | Years | Grades | Age Group | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Primary | 2 | PP1 – PP2 | 4–5 years | Foundation skills |
| Lower Primary | 3 | Grade 1 – 3 | 6–8 years | Literacy & numeracy |
| Upper Primary | 3 | Grade 4 – 6 | 9–11 years | Skill-based learning |
| Junior Secondary (JSS) | 3 | Grade 7 – 9 | 12–15 years | Career exploration |
| Senior School | 3 | Grade 10 – 12 | 15–18 years | Career pathways |
| Tertiary | – | – | 18+ years | Professional training |
Assessment Under CBE
CBE uses continuous and competency-based assessment rather than relying on final exams.
1. Classroom-Based Assessments (CBA)
- Done regularly by teachers in class
- Focus on projects, practical work, oral questions and group tasks
- Accounts for 60% of final evaluation
- Tracked termly using rubrics and performance levels
2. National Assessments by KNEC
| Grade | Assessment Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | SBA by KNEC | National evaluation & LAN |
| Grade 4-5 | CBA | Skill development |
| Grade 6 | KPSEA | Certification & JSS transition |
| Grade 9 | National Assessment | Senior School transition |
| Grade 12 | Career Pathway | Exit credentials |
The Learner Assessment Number (LAN)
From Grade 3, every learner receives a unique 10-digit KNEC Assessment Number that:
- Stays with them for life, even if they change schools
- Tracks academic progress across all grades
- Helps build the Learner Profile and eventual School Leaving Certificate
- Stores assessment history, behavior records, and competencies
Rubric-Based Assessment in PP1–PP2
At the pre-primary level, learners are not graded using marks. Instead, they are ranked using competency rubrics:
Exceeding Expectations
Outstanding performance
Meeting Expectations
Satisfactory performance
Approaching Expectations
Developing skills
Below Expectations
Needs support
Building the Learner Profile & Leaving Certificate
The School Leaving Certificate is built gradually starting from Grade 3 by compiling:
- Continuous assessments
- Projects and portfolios
- Discipline records
- Talent and co-curricular achievements
- Community service activities
CBE Learning Areas
CBE organizes subjects into the following Learning Areas:
Languages
English, Kiswahili
Mathematics
Social Studies
Integrated Science
Pre-Technical Studies
Business Studies
Agriculture
Religious Education
Sports & PE
Performing & Visual Arts
ICT Skills
Why Schools Need a CBE-Compliant System
Managing CBE manually is difficult. Schools must track:
Essential CBE Requirements
- Competency scores
- Rubric assessments
- Learner portfolios
- CBA scores (60%) + National assessments (40%)
- Learner Assessment Numbers
- CBE-compliant report forms
This is why schools use SchoolFix, the #1 CBE-ready school management system in Kenya, to simplify academic tracking, assessments, and KNEC compliance.
Want to implement CBE properly in your school?
SchoolFix makes it simple — automate assessments, generate CBE report cards, and manage learners effortlessly.
✔ No credit card needed • ✔ Full CBE support • ✔ 24/7 Customer support
100%
CBE Compliant
Secure
Data Protection
Cloud
Based System
24/7
Support Available