The verdict is in, and it is far from a ringing endorsement. A new survey reveals that only 38 percent of Kenyans are satisfied with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) grading system, signaling deep public unease with the shift away from traditional exams.

Data released by Infotrak Research & Consulting shows that nearly half the country—45 percent—is explicitly dissatisfied with the new evaluation framework. The poll, conducted between December 2025 and January 2026, highlights the confusion and resistance facing the "Exceeds Expectation" (EE) and "Below Expectation" (BE) labels that have replaced the familiar 8-4-4 grades.

A Crisis of Confidence

The survey of 1,000 adults indicates that the dissatisfaction is not just about nostalgia for the old system, but confusion over what the new grades actually mean. "The public is struggling to translate Meeting Expectations into a tangible measure of success," the report notes. 17 percent of respondents remained undecided, admitting they simply do not know enough to form an opinion.

• Teacher Training Gaps: Critics cite inadequate teacher preparation as a primary driver of the low satisfaction numbers.
• Consistency Concerns: Parents are worried that the subjective nature of "competency" assessment varies wildly from school to school.

The Road Ahead

While supporters argue the system captures holistic development better than a single exam score, the data suggests the Ministry of Education has failed to sell this vision to the public. With dissatisfaction outweighing satisfaction, the government faces an uphill battle to legitimize the grading structure before the next national assessment cycle begins.

"If parents don't trust the yardstick," warned an education stakeholder, "they won't trust the results. The Ministry must urgently bridge this gap before skepticism turns into rejection."