Text and pictures by Stanley Ongwae
As Kenya prepares for the inaugural Grade Nine Competence-Based Education (CBE) national assessments set for October, learners are filled with excitement and confidence.
At Kisii Campus Comprehensive School in Kisii County, students have stepped forward to celebrate CBE, praising the academic depth and skills they’ve acquired over the past nine years as pioneers of the new system.
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The learners describe CBE as engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply connected to real-world challenges, issues they feel empowered to address.
Among them is Shane Gakii, a Grade Nine student at the school located near Kisii University.
Using a piece of white cloth adorned with colourful stitching and beads, Gakii creatively illustrates the structure of an atom—an essential topic in Integrated Science.
Her depiction features concentric circles representing energy levels stitched with coloured threads, with the nucleus at the core visualised through a cluster of beads.
Standing confidently with a swagger stick, Gakii assumes the role of teacher, guiding her classmates through the concept as Mr Pascal Onchangwa, her actual teacher, watches attentively from the back of the classroom.
The learning energy intensifies as another student, Ashley Bonareri, presents a model of human skin, a project she led earlier in the term.
Her explanation reflects deep understanding, supported by a visually striking model rich in colour and anatomical detail.
“This is the way we learn, and we have always enjoyed every bit of it!” Ashley declares, proudly showcasing the work.
Florence Onyancha, another budding scientist, recounts her group’s efforts in modelling the human kidneys using repurposed cardboards and colourful paints.
“By the time we finished modelling the portrait, the image was stuck in my mind—along with a full understanding of its functions,” she shares.
Mr Onchangwa affirms the benefits of CBE, calling the classroom experience both dynamic and immersive.
“Our learners are always active either conducting an experiment, engaging in modelling, or contributing to discussions. Not once have I seen a student doze off,” he says with pride.
Despite the challenges of accessing formal learning materials, creativity has flourished.
Students use flowers and other natural resources to make dyes and paints for their models.
For Grade Nine student Elvis Fabregas, this ingenuity extends beyond the classroom.
“Even at home, I find life smoother because I approach every challenge with a problem-solving mindset,” he notes.
Headteacher Mr Alfred Mosota acknowledges financial constraints, especially in capitation, but praises the school’s resilience and adaptability.
He credits parental involvement as a game-changer.
“We’ve worked hard to demystify CBE among parents, and now they eagerly support learner activities even sending food samples from home to aid lessons.”
Teachers have also grown through the system.
“CBE has taught us how to find local solutions to local challenges,” says senior teacher Mrs Nyaribo.
Nyamira County Education Director Mr Joshua Kaga reflects on the broader impact saying: “CBE is unlocking potential in learners who might never have discovered their talents so early.”
“It’s a gateway to identifying career paths and nurturing gifts from a young age.”
