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Our education landscape is undergoing a significant evolution—from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to Competency-Based Education (CBE). While the name has slightly changed, the core philosophy remains the same: equipping learners with practical skills, values, and knowledge for real-life application. CBE builds upon the foundation laid by CBC, refining the structure, strengthening implementation, and enhancing the learner’s journey, especially in senior secondary school (Grades 10–12).

One of the most impactful features carried into the CBE system is the pathway subjects, which allow students to specialize in areas aligned with their talents and career interests. These pathways—STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), Arts & Sports Science, and Social Sciences—are central to the personalized, skills-oriented nature of education in Kenya today.

What Are CBE Pathway Subjects?

CBE pathway subjects are specialized tracks that students choose as they transition from junior to senior secondary school (Grade 10-12). The pathways are designed to cater to diverse talents and career goals, offering a more personalized educational experience. Alongside these pathways, all students must take compulsory learning areas to ensure a well-rounded foundation. These compulsory areas are:

• English
• Kiswahili/Sign Language
• Community Service Learning
• Physical Education
• ICT Skills

The three main pathways and their subjects are:

• Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM): This pathway focuses on scientific and technical fields. Subjects include:
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • General Science
  • Computer Science
  • Agriculture
  • Home Science
  • Drawing & Design
  • Aviation Technology
  • Building & Construction
  • Electrical Technology
  • Metal Technology
  • Power Mechanics
  • Wood Technology
  • Media Technology
  • Marine & Fisheries Technology

This pathway is ideal for students aiming for careers in science, engineering, or technology-related industries.

• Arts & Sport Science: This pathway emphasizes creativity and physical skills. Subjects include:
  • Sports and Recreation
  • Physical Education
  • Music & Dance
  • Theatre & Film
  • Fine Arts
  • Advanced English
    

It suits students with a passion for the arts, sports, or enhanced communication skills.

• Social Sciences: Focused on humanities, languages, and social studies, this pathway includes:
  • Literature in English
  • Indigenous Languages
  • Kiswahili Kipevu/KSL
  • Fasihi ya Kiswahili
  • Sign Language
  • Arabic
  • French
  • German
  • Mandarin Chinese
  • History & Citizenship
  • Geography
  • Business Studies
  • Religious Education
    

This pathway is perfect for students interested in understanding society, culture, and human behavior.

Impact on Students

The introduction of pathway subjects has a significant impact on students, offering both opportunities and challenges:

• Early Talent Identification and Career Focus: By selecting a pathway that aligns with their strengths, students can nurture their talents early. For example, a STEM student can explore Aviation Technology, while an Arts & Sport Science student can focus on Theatre & Film. This early specialization can increase engagement and reduce dropout rates.
• Skill Development: The CBE emphasizes practical skills. STEM students gain technical expertise in fields like Computer Science or Power Mechanics, Arts & Sport Science students enhance creative and physical abilities, and Social Sciences students develop communication and cultural awareness through languages and humanities.
• Foundation Skills: The compulsory learning areas ensure all students acquire essential skills in language, community service, physical health, and digital literacy, regardless of their pathway.
• Challenges: Resource limitations in some schools may hinder the delivery of specialized subjects like Marine & Fisheries Technology or Fine Arts, requiring adequate labs and trained teachers.

Impact on Parents

For parents, the CBE brings both opportunities and responsibilities:

• Increased Involvement: With a wide range of subjects, parents must help their children choose a pathway at Grade 9, requiring engagement with schools and career guidance resources to understand future implications.
• Future Readiness: The practical focus reassures parents that their children are workforce-ready. For instance, STEM prepares students for tech careers, while Social Sciences fosters social skills.
• Challenges: Parents may face stress over the Grade 9 decision and ensuring access to resources, especially in under-resourced areas where implementation varies.

What It All Means

The CBE pathway subjects shift education toward a skills-focused, personalized system. By offering diverse subjects, it caters to individual strengths, preparing students for a changing world. However, success depends on addressing resource gaps, teacher training, and university alignment.

Conclusion

The CBE pathway subjects offer students early specialization and practical skills, while requiring greater parental involvement. Though challenges like resource limitations persist, this approach could transform Kenya’s education system with sustained effort.