How Dual Certification Will Work at End of Senior School for CBE

The 1.1 million learners who joined Grade 10 this year under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system will receive two certificates when they complete senior school in 2028. This marks a major departure from the single Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) awarded under the old system.

The dual certification aims to recognise both academic achievement and practical vocational or professional skills. Learners who demonstrate competencies during their three years in senior school will earn a skills acquisition certificate aligned with local and international occupational standards alongside the Kenya Certificate of Basic Education (KCBE).

With the two documents, students can pursue artisan courses, craft programmes, diplomas or university entry depending on their Grade 12 performance. The approach seeks to better prepare young people for the job market or further training.

Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) chief executive Dr David Njengere said the pilot for industry-recognised certification will begin in 2027. This gives the current Grade 10 cohort enough time to engage with the curriculum.

“Dual certification is aligned to the mission of CBE, which is nurturing every learner’s potential,” Njengere explained. Assessments will focus on practical mastery, creativity, innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving rather than rote memorisation.

KNEC director for test development Dr Wilson Chelimo noted that senior school prepares learners not only for university but also for technical training, entrepreneurship and direct workforce entry. The system is backed by the Kenya National Qualifications Framework, which places secondary education alongside vocational training at Level Three.

Learners in STEM, social sciences, and arts and sports science pathways will all have their practical skills formally assessed. Competency-based assessments (CBAs) will rely on school-based projects, simulations, laboratory work, workplace learning and performance against occupational standards.

Students will maintain portfolios of evidence including project outputs, digital records, reflections and supervisor validations. This demonstrates mastery gained in school and real workplace settings.

KNEC principal examinations officer Asman Amaunda said the reforms address skills mismatches and boost employer confidence. Academic grades alone have not always shown occupational readiness. The occupational certificate will align with the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) and Kenya Standard Classification of Occupations (KeSCO).

It will be portable and recognised in the labour market. KNEC plans stronger collaboration with TVET institutions, universities, industries and professional bodies. County assessment hubs and digital teacher training platforms will support implementation.

The framework includes national moderation and external validation for quality assurance. It involves the Ministry of Education, KNEC and the Kenya National Qualifications Authority working with industry stakeholders.