Education in Kenya

How education in Kenya works, and how we’re helping.

There are 2.6 million orphaned or vulnerable children in Kenya. Education gives them a future they would not have otherwise.

What we're doing to empower and equip children in Kenya.

Education is a significant focus of Chariots for Hope. It is a powerful tool for our children as they grow into impactful citizens and leaders. Education in Kenya is a privilege and we encourage every child to reach their fullest potential as they move through their education.

Our kids begin their education in pre-primary school at the age of 3. We love having our own preschools on our baby home campuses that are for our children in the home as well as community children.

As with the US, education expenses for our children are increasing each year. The amount given by child sponsors covers a child’s education up through 6th grade. As a child enters junior secondary, senior secondary, and post-secondary education, this funding comes from our education fund.

Curriculum Update

We’re in the midst of a new national curriculum being implemented in Kenya.It is called the Competency-Based Curriculumand it is changing the traditional structure of education.

The Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) under the 2-6-3-3 system of education in Kenya was unveiled in 2017 to replace the 8-4-4 system of education which has served Kenya for 32 years. The introduction of 2-6-3-3 has received a lot of attention and provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the end of an era in Kenya’s Education where ranking and cut throat competition has been at the center of the sector.

We’re learning alongside those we serve in Kenya just how this is going to work itself out over the years as the first learners with this new curriculum are reaching 7th grade next year. What is clear at this point is that grades and exams are not going to be the only tools measuring the success of the student, or determining their ability to continue onto high school.

How does the educational system work in Kenya?

School begins in January, and finishes in late November, with breaks in April, August, and December.

Pre-Primary & Primary School

Nursery - 6th Grade

2 Years

of Pre-Primary school (PP1-PP2)

6 Years

in Primary school (1st-6th grade)

Junior Secondary School

7th - 9th Grade

7th - 9th Grade

1-2 Electives

choose from 7 options

At this level students spend a lot of time in career guidance and understanding themselves to be prepared to make career choices in the next level of education.

Senior Secondary School

10th-12th Grade

12 Core Subjects

3 Pathways

At this point, learners choose a specific path that prepares them for their future professions: Arts and Sport Science, Social Sciences, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)

College & Tertiary School

3 Years Minimum

Studying a Trade

such as carpentry or hair dressing

Studying a Profession

from a college or university

Students earn a diploma in 2 years or a degree in 4 years.

Give the gift of education today.

Student Stories