Kenya’s former education system, known as the 8-4-4 system, was introduced in 1985 and structured around 8 years of primary education, 4 years of secondary, and 4 years of university. It emphasized academic performance through national examinations at the end of each level: KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education) and KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education). The curriculum was largely exam-centered, with limited focus on practical skills or continuous assessment.

In contrast, the current Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), introduced in 2017, follows a 2-6-3-3-3 structure: 2 years of pre-primary, 6 years of primary, 3 years of junior secondary, 3 years of senior secondary, and 3 years of university. CBC incorporates continuous assessment, values education, and skill development across various learning areas. It is designed to support different pathways in senior secondary: arts and sports, social sciences, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The 8-4-4 system has been gradually phased out to make way for the Competency-Based Curriculum. The last Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination under the 8-4-4 system was administered in November 2023, marking the official end of primary-level assessments under the old structure. The last cohort of secondary students under the 8-4-4 system is expected to complete their studies and sit for the final KCSE examination in 2027, fully transitioning the country to the new education model.