Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
More Kenyan families are weighing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) against the Cambridge IGCSE route offered by many private and international schools. Both can lead to university, in Kenya and abroad, but they are built differently, cost very different amounts and lead through different exams. This guide sets out the main differences in plain terms so you can decide what suits your child.
What each system is
CBC is Kenya’s national curriculum. It runs as 2-6-3-3: two years of pre-primary, six years of primary (Grades 1–6), three years of junior school (Grades 7–9) and three years of senior school (Grades 10–12). National assessments are KPSEA at the end of Grade 6 and KJSEA at the end of Grade 9, both run by KNEC, and senior school learners follow one of three pathways: STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts and Sports Science.
Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a qualification from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, usually taken over two years at about ages 14–16 (Years 10 and 11 in the British year system). Students choose subjects, commonly between five and nine, and each subject is graded separately. Many schools follow IGCSE with Cambridge International AS and A Levels in Years 12 and 13.
Key differences
| CBC | Cambridge IGCSE | |
|---|---|---|
| Who sets it | KICD (curriculum), KNEC (assessment) | Cambridge University Press & Assessment |
| Assessment | School-based assessment plus KPSEA and KJSEA | Mainly final exams per subject, some coursework |
| Grading | Eight levels, EE1 to BE2 | Letter grades A* to G (some syllabuses 9–1) |
| Exam series | Once a year (KNEC calendar) | May/June and October/November |
| Public school option | Yes, government capitation | No, private schools only |
Cost
This is often the deciding factor. Public CBC schools are funded by government capitation, and public senior boarding schools have gazetted fee ceilings of KSh 53,554 or KSh 40,535 a year for 2026 (see senior school fees 2026). International schools charge far more. For example, Nairobi International School’s published 2026–27 fees for Years 7–9 are KSh 375,000 a term, and Light International School Karen lists Year 7–8 tuition at KSh 1,426,000 a year. Our school fees directory collects published fee structures, and the IGCSE exam entries themselves add further cost.
University entry
For government-sponsored places, KUCCPS places students based on KCSE results, and its FAQ states IGCSE graduates cannot be placed through it. IGCSE and A Level holders apply directly to universities, often as self-sponsored students, and may need a KNEC equation letter. The University of Nairobi, for instance, lists IGCSE, GCE and the International Baccalaureate as qualifications it accepts as equivalent for degree entry. Read our guide to IGCSE and A Levels for Kenyan universities.
Which suits which child?
- CBC suits families who want a nationally recognised path, affordable public schools and access to KUCCPS placement and HELB-linked government sponsorship.
- IGCSE suits families planning study abroad, those who move countries, or learners who do well in subject-focused, exam-based study, provided the fees are sustainable for all the years ahead.
Switching midway is possible but needs planning; see switching between CBC and IGCSE. Whichever path you choose, short regular practice matters. Our CBC Challenge and revision plans are built for CBC learners.
Sources
- KUCCPS, Frequently Asked Questions (kuccps.net)
- University of Nairobi, Procedure for Equation of Foreign Qualifications
- Gazette Notice 1449 of 2026 (senior school fees)
- Published 2026–27 fee structures of Nairobi International School and Light International School Karen, as compiled on CBC Guides
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Cambridge IGCSE (cambridgeinternational.org)
CBC Guides is an independent site, not KICD, KNEC or Cambridge.