Poll: Nearly half of Kenyans say CBC has improved education

Nearly half of Kenyans believe the quality of education has improved since the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum and Competency-Based Education, according to a new national opinion poll by Infotrak Research & Consulting.

The survey shows that 49 per cent of respondents believe the overall quality of education in Kenya is “better” since the rollout of CBC/CBE.

Another 18 per cent feel it is “About the same”, while 33 per cent say it is “worse.”

The findings highlight a country that remains divided on the impact of the new education system, even as CBC continues to replace the 8-4-4 structure across learning levels.

Regional differences stand out sharply in how Kenyans perceive the reforms. North Eastern records the most positive outlook, with 78 per cent of respondents saying the quality of education is “better”.

Rift Valley follows at 54 per cent, while Western reports 60 per cent with a positive view. Nyanza also posts a majority positive perception at 52 per cent.

In contrast, dissatisfaction is more pronounced in some regions. The Coast records the highest proportion of respondents who say education is “Worse” at 50 per cent.

Nairobi follows closely at 36 per cent, while Eastern and Central both post 39 per cent and 38 per cent respectively in the negative category.

The capital city shows a notably split opinion. In Nairobi, 42 per cent say education is “better”, but more than a third believe it is “Worse”.

Only 21 per cent feel things are “About the same”, suggesting uncertainty and mixed experiences among urban households.

Gender and age also shape perceptions of CBC/CBE. Men are slightly more positive than women, with a higher share saying education is “Better”.

However, a significant proportion of both genders still say it is “Worse”, underlining persistent concerns that cut across demographic lines.

Younger adults tend to be more optimistic. Respondents aged 18 to 26 years record one of the stronger positive ratings, with many saying education is “Better”.

The sentiment gradually weakens with age. Older respondents, especially those over 55, show higher levels of dissatisfaction, with more saying the quality of education is “Worse” compared to younger age groups.

The poll was sponsored and financed by Infotrak Research & Consulting Limited, December 2025 – January 2026.

Quantitative interviews were conducted through Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) ±3.10 per cent at 95 per cent degree of confidence. 

The survey sample achieved was 1,000 to represent the universe of adult Kenyans who were 18 years and above at the time of the survey.

The sampling frame was designed using Population Proportionate to size (PPS) guided by the 2019 Census. The survey covered all the 47 counties and eight regions of Kenya.

To ensure national representativeness, the distribution of the survey sample across the regions was proportionately allocated.