Practical Curriculum Comparison
Recognition & University Pathways
Best global portability: IB, Cambridge A-Levels, AP/American.
Best local alignment: CBC (national system), historically 8-4-4 for older university admission contexts.
Teaching & Assessment Style
Skills & continuous assessment: CBC, IB.
Exam-centric subject depth: Cambridge IGCSE/A-Level, 8-4-4.
Flexible credit + AP specialization: American.
Costs & Accessibility in Kenya
CBC (public schools) is widely available and lower cost.
Cambridge / IB / American / AP are mostly offered in private/international schools and are more expensive (fees, exam costs, resources).
Suitability
If you need a national, skills-based education → CBC.
If you want international university entry and subject depth → Cambridge/IB/American (choose between them depending on target country and learning style).
If you prefer practice/technical skills → TVET routes.
Recommendations for Parents/Educators in Kenya
Choose CBC if public school affordability and national alignment matter and you want emphasis on competencies and life skills.
Choose Cambridge if aiming for UK/European university systems and a stable internationally recognised exam pathway.
Choose American/AP if aiming for U.S. colleges or you value course flexibility and AP credit opportunities.
Choose IB if aiming for very selective global universities and you value inquiry-based, holistic education.
Consider TVET or technical options if immediate job skills or vocational training is the priority.