What it is CBC - The Structure

• CBC is Kenya’s national curriculum reform replacing the 8-4-4 structure. It focuses on learner competencies (skills, attitudes and values), not only content, and reorganised basic education into lower levels and junior/senior cycles. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has continued to refine CBC (including subject reductions and curriculum design updates). KICD+1

Assessment & delivery

• Emphasis on continuous assessment, practical tasks, project work, and learner portfolios rather than a single high-stakes exam. Teachers use performance-based tasks and class activities as evidence of competencies.

Advantages

• Stronger focus on skills and real-world competencies (problem solving, communication, digital literacy).

• Promotes learner-centred and activity-based learning (less rote memorisation).

• Designed to link learning to livelihoods and 21st-century skills (more relevant for employment/entrepreneurship).

• Encourages holistic development — attitudes, soft skills and values in addition to knowledge.

• National rollout means wide availability in public schools (policy support from KICD / Ministry). KICD

When it’s a good fit

• Families/schools wanting alignment with Kenya’s national qualifications and a skills-focused basic education; public school students by default.

What is the IGSCE Cambridge Structure

• International curriculum from Cambridge Assessment International Education: IGCSE (usually for ages ~14–16) followed by Cambridge International A-Levels (16–18) for university entrance. Widely offered in private/international schools in Kenya. Cambridge International+1

Assessment & delivery

• Mix of externally marked examinations and some coursework. Flexible subject choice; rigorous subject-specific depth.

Advantages

• Global recognition — A-Levels/IGCSE are accepted by universities worldwide.

• Flexible subject selection lets learners specialize early (good for focused academic tracks).

• Exam standards and moderation are internationally benchmarked — consistent comparability.

• Strong preparation for UK/European universities and international pathways.

When it’s a good fit

• Families targeting foreign university admissions (UK, EU, Australia), or students who want a subject-depth, exam-based international route.

Understanding the American Curriculum

• North American model offered in some Nairobi international schools: credit-based High School Diploma, often with opportunity to take College Board AP courses/exams for advanced standing. Examples include schools offering AP and/adapted U.S. curricula. West Nairobi School+1

Assessment & delivery

• Course credits accumulate to a diploma; AP courses culminate in externally marked AP exams. Emphasis on a broad high-school program (electives + core subjects).

Advantages

• Broad, flexible programme that allows students to mix academic and elective subjects.

• AP exams give chances to earn university credit/advanced placement in U.S. and many other universities.

• Good fit for students aiming for U.S. colleges or institutions that recognise AP credits.

• Emphasis on continuous assessment, projects, research and often extracurriculars valued by U.S. admissions.

When it’s a good fit

• Students planning U.S. tertiary education or who prefer a flexible, credit-based high-school model.

What it the IB Structure

• IB programs (Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma Programme) are enquiry-based, internationally standardised curricula emphasising critical thinking, international mindedness and research (the Diploma Programme is for ages 16–19). Several Kenyan schools offer IB programmes. International Baccalaureate®+1

Assessment & delivery

• Holistic assessment: internal assessments, externally moderated work, extended essay, TOK (Theory of Knowledge), CAS (creativity, activity, service) for the Diploma.

Advantages

• Very strong disciplinary breadth + critical thinking; excellent preparation for global universities.

• Focus on research, independent learning and learner profile (character development).

• Widely respected by top global universities; encourages interdisciplinary thinking.

• Balanced combination of rigour and holistic education (academic + extracurricular).

When it’s a good fit

• Learners aiming for highly selective international universities, or families wanting a globally portable, inquiry-driven education.