Kenya Unveils Senior School Subject List and Timetable Under New CBC Curriculum

Nairobi, Kenya – August 8, 2025 — The Ministry of Education has officially released the subject list and lesson timetable for Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) Senior School framework, marking a significant milestone in the country’s education reform. The structure, which applies to Grades 10 through 12, outlines a blend of core and elective subjects tailored to foster practical skills, creativity, and pre-university readiness.

Core Subjects and Pathway Specialisation

Each learner will undertake seven subjects — four compulsory core subjects and three elective subjects based on their chosen career pathway.

The four core subjects are:

• English

• Kiswahili

• Mathematics

• Community Service Learning Programme (a signature feature of the CBC model, aimed at civic responsibility and real-world engagement)

Students will then select a specialised pathway from the following three options:

1. STEM Pathway (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Agriculture

• Computer Studies

• Home Science

• Aviation

• Building Construction

• Engineering

2. Arts and Sports Science Pathway

• Music

• Dance

• Theatre

• Film

• Fine Art

• Sports Science

3. Social Sciences Pathway

• Literature

• Indigenous and Foreign Languages (including Arabic, French, German, Chinese)

• History and Government

• Religious Studies

• Business Studies

• Geography

Timetable Structure and Weekly Load

Learners will attend 40 lessons per week, broken down as follows:

• 5 lessons each for English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, and Community Service Learning

• 20 additional lessons covering:

  • Elective subjects (3 subjects)

  • Physical Education

  • Life Skills

  • Guidance and counselling sessions

This schedule is designed to provide academic rigour while encouraging exploration of individual interests and talents, a foundational principle of the CBC philosophy.

Looking Ahead: First Cohort to Complete Grade 12 in 2029

The CBC Senior School system has officially commenced in 2025, and the first cohort of students under this model is expected to graduate in 2029. According to the Ministry, this will be a litmus test of the CBC’s long-term vision — preparing learners not just for exams, but for life, innovation, and employability.

Mixed Reactions: Praise and Concerns

Education stakeholders have largely welcomed the release of the timetable and subject breakdown, citing increased clarity for schools, parents, and learners.

Dr. Joseph Kiarie, an education policy consultant, said the Ministry had taken an “important step forward in aligning Kenya’s curriculum with 21st-century learning demands.”

However, concerns remain. Experts have urged the government to invest in teacher capacity building and school infrastructure, especially for practical subjects like aviation, computer science, theatre, and sports science — areas where many public schools lack specialised instructors or equipment.

“We need not just a progressive curriculum, but the tools to implement it,” said Sarah Nduta, chairperson of the Kenya Parents Association. “Otherwise, some schools — especially in rural areas — will fall behind.”

Why This Matters

Issue	Impact
Curriculum reform	Moves Kenya from exam-focused rote learning to competency and skills development.
Equity and access	Raises questions about resource gaps between urban and rural schools.
Career readiness	Gives learners a chance to explore and prepare for diverse fields early.
Global competitiveness	Aligns Kenya’s education with international standards in STEM, arts, and languages.

 

As the CBC Senior School system takes root, all eyes will be on how well the vision translates into tangible learning experiences — and whether the government can deliver the support needed to make it work equitably across all regions.