8-4-4 Dropouts to Get Second Chance Under CBC.
Thousands of learners who left school under the 8-4-4 system may soon find a way back to class. The Ministry of Education is drafting new guidelines that would enable these individuals to resume their education through the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has been assigned the task of designing a CBC-aligned pathway specifically for adult learners.
This proposed reentry plan targets out-of-school youth and adults, including those from non-formal education backgrounds. It aims to embed CBC principles into adult education while offering flexible learning models. The ministry’s document emphasizes that many of these learners had been excluded because adult learning programs were not integrated into the CBC system.
Unlike the rigid traditional classroom setting, the new model offers learners the option to attend lessons at their convenience. This adjustment accommodates individuals balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. The proposal also includes accelerated learning options and the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which validates skills and knowledge acquired outside formal education.
Stakeholders noted the importance of expanding adult education centres, especially in regions with high adult illiteracy rates. They stressed the need for tailored programs that meet the unique needs of adult learners, which include shorter, intensive learning modules and a flexible timetable.
“This is long overdue. Recognition of prior learning will allow many people, especially those who dropped out to work or raise families, to return and complete their education without starting from scratch,” said educationist Janet Muthoni. However, she emphasized that execution is critical and called for a structured framework, adequate funding, and strong monitoring systems to guarantee quality outcomes.
Day Schools Only for Secondary Reentry
Despite the inclusive nature of the proposed plan, those hoping to rejoin the system at the secondary level will be restricted to day schools. The government’s aim is to provide realistic and cost-effective access to education for returning learners.
This initiative emerges against the backdrop of rising dropout rates from the 8-4-4 system. Teachers Updates analysis reveals that over 500,000 learners who sat the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in recent years failed to sit the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) four years later.
In 2020, out of the 1,179,192 candidates who took the KCPE exam, only 965,501 are sitting the KCSE in 2024—a gap of 213,691. In 2022, 170,948 students were missing from KCSE records after sitting KCPE in 2018, while 184,003 learners were unaccounted for in 2023.
The proposal has received backing from various education stakeholders who believe it could bridge long-standing gaps in Kenya’s education system. Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu said reintegrating school dropouts aligns with the fundamental right to education.
“We have been pushing for the reintegration of out-of-school youth into the system. Education is a right, and we cannot afford to leave anyone behind, especially when CBC allows for more flexible and practical learning,” said Oyuu.
Akello Misori, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), also welcomed the initiative but stressed the importance of investing in facilities and teacher training. He pointed out that adult learners require special handling due to their diverse needs and experiences.
“While this is a commendable idea, we need more resources — both physical and human. Adult learners have different needs, and teachers must be trained to handle such diverse classrooms,” Misori noted.
Rollout Strategy Still in Progress
The ministry plans to roll out the program nationally by establishing more adult learning centres, prioritizing underserved regions. These centres will serve as hubs for both academic learning and recognition of practical skills.
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“Many learners who dropped out of school, were over-age, or came from non-formal education settings felt left out. There were no clear ways for them to re-enter the system under CBC, and adult learning programs had not been aligned with the new curriculum,” reads the proposal.
Although implementation details are still being finalized, stakeholders agree that this marks a positive step toward inclusive education reform in Kenya.
“This is a brilliant idea on paper, but execution will be key. We need a clear framework, consistent funding, and robust monitoring to make it a success,” added Muthoni.
8-4-4 Dropouts to Get Second Chance Under CBC.
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