The biggest challenge for parents thinking of homeschooling their child in Kenya is arguably what curriculum to follow, mostly because the choice one makes will help in shaping what your child learns and determine what doors will open later in life .
Kenya has four curricula that stand out as the most popular among homeschooling families. The most popular or rather most accessible is the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). Others include the Cambridge International Curriculum, the IGCSE and the American K–12 system. Each of these has its own strengths and challenges.
After talking about the different costs of homeschooling in Kenya, today we break down each curricula option so you can make an informed decision about what will serve your child best.
CBC (Competency Based Curriculum)
The Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) is Kenya’s official education system. It was rolled out to replace the long-standing 8-4-4 model and unlike the 844, CBC focuses on equipping learners with practical skills and competencies rather than simply testing for knowledge recall.
Much has been said about CBC, but I personally love and prefer it over 844. I hope one day those against it can see what those of us who love it see in it.
Advantages / Disadvantages of CBC
CBC offers homeschoolers an opportunity to stay within the national system while being on budget. Its biggest advantage is that it incorporates Kenyan history and cultural studies thus ensuring children remain connected to their environment. The fact that under it a child can learn Swahili is another plus.
The second advantage to CBC is that Students who study it register for national assessments and gain entry into Kenyan universities.
With CBC, costs are not high because textbooks and other learning resources are widely available at cheaper prices compared to imported international materials. Not to forget that it is Kenya, where the culture of handing down books or exchanging them amongst family, friends, neighbours etc is common.
Finally, being the national school curriculum, It is easier to find tutors and homeschool groups in Kenya that are familiar with CBC.
But, CBC does have its fair share of disadvantages. Firstly, not many people even understand it, with parents sometimes facing unclear guidelines and evolving requirements. Remember how we complained all the time online when it was first rolled out?
And then there is that “small” issue of how CBC lays emphasis on continuous assessment, which in turn requires parents to be highly involved in tracking and documenting progress.
And while it works well for Kenyan higher education, the truth is it is less recognized abroad compared to international curricula.
Basically, if you are planning to keep your children in Kenya all the way to university, CBC is often the most straightforward and cost-effective choice. But if global mobility is something you are striving for, you may need to supplement it with international certifications later.
Cambridge Curriculum
One of the most widely used options for homeschooling in Kenya, the Cambridge International Curriculum is structured into the following stages: Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-Levels. Because many international schools in Kenya use Cambridge, it is relatively easy to maneuver.
Advantages / Disadvantages of cambridge curriculum
Cambridge comes with global recognition simply because its qualifications are accepted by universities worldwide and even in Kenya itself.
Progression is easier because of how well structured it is – the curriculum is clearly laid out from primary through pre-university levels. This in turn makes long-term planning easier.
Another advantage is that there is a wide pool to choose from, and this includes sciences, humanities, arts and vocational subjects. This wide selection creates room for personalized learning paths.
Lastly, after whatever local curriculum the government supports, Cambridge has the second most -accredited schools and centers that serve independent candidates.
But, it does have its fair share of limitations too. For instance, the high costs that come with purchasing textbooks, paying for exam fees and tutoring can be quite deterring, especially in comparison to local curricula.
The system also heavily focuses on preparing for standardized exams. which may not suit every child’s learning style. Simply, it is a heavily exam driven curriculum. Plus the fact that content is tailored for a global audience means parents may need to supplement with Kenyan history and culture, not to forget the swahili language/ subject.
If you are aiming for international university options or seeking a rigorous and well-structured system then Cambridge becomes your top contender. However, you should also have in mind the financial and academic demands that come with it before you commit yourself.
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
As part of the British education system, the IGCSE is taken at ages 14–16 and serves as the equivalent of Kenya’s KCSE or the U.S. high school diploma. You could register through Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) or Pearson Edexcel, both well recognized. It’s no secret that a lot of homeschoolers view IGCSE as the golden standard for bridging into A-Levels or university entry. In some cases, it is even considered as the bridge to qualifications like SATs or GED.
Advantages / Disadvantages of IGCSE
Due to its global recognition, it is accepted in universities in most parts of the world thus giving learners more post-secondary options.
It is also highly flexible, with students choosing from over 70 subjects. This allows for specialization in areas of strength or interest.
The fact that several exam centers and tutors in Kenya are familiar with the IGCSE system, makes it easily accessible and makes registration and preparation easier.
Another strength of this curriculum lies in the fact that it provides a smooth transition to A-Levels, the IB or American university admission pathways.
Its limitations however, include the fact that Exam registration, textbooks and specialized tutoring do not come cheap. If anything, they are quite expensive. Also that Sciences and technical subjects require lab sessions, a near impossibility to replicate in a home setup.
Lastly, the pressure that comes with an exam-intensive curriculum like this one means students may face high academic pressure and less flexibility in pacing.
Basically, if you want a widely respected qualification that opens both local and international opportunities, IGCSE remains a strong choice. However, the financial and logistical demands, especially for leaners who lean more on studying science related courses, should not be ignored.
American Curriculum
You might find yourself leaning towards the American K–12 if you are seeking a flexible but less exam-centered approach. The American curriculum uses a credit based system where students accumulate coursework and grades in different subjects and sit for standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or Advanced Placement (AP) exams once they are through with high school.
Advantages / Disadvantages of the American curriculum
The continuous assessment model allows learners to demonstrate progress through assignments and projects. Many parents may find this to reduce pressure. The curriculum also provides clear pathways to U.S. universities and is recognized in many other countries.
It also combines a wide variety of online platforms to offer parents a wealth of resources that will suit different children’s pace according to their needs.
However, the system is not without its challenges, especially in Kenya where local universities may require additional exams for admission. The costs also vary dramatically, from affordable online courses to very expensive full-service virtual academies.
Parents who enroll their children in this curriculum may need to play an active role in record-keeping, a necessity that is essential for the child’s future opportunities.
Finally, just as with the other international curricula, much of the content is U.S. oriented meaning families may need to supplement with Kenyan studies to avoid a scenario whereby children forget their local culture.
The truth is, no single curriculum can be called “the best” because the right choice depends on your goals and long-term plans. Not to forget that the resources at hand will also play a major role in the decision you make. For example, families who intend for their children to remain in Kenya for higher education will find the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) the most practical option. It is affordable and ensures smooth entry into Kenyan universities.
But for those eyeing global mobility, international options will have the upper hand.
