What CBC curriculum designs are
A curriculum design is the official Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) document that defines what a learner should know, do and value in a learning area by the end of a grade. Under the Competency Based Curriculum, the curriculum design – not the textbook – is the authority for what is taught and assessed. Every scheme of work, lesson plan, record of work and exam is built from it.
Each design sets out, for every strand and sub-strand, the specific learning outcomes, suggested learning experiences, key inquiry questions, the core competencies and values to develop, the Pertinent and Contemporary Issues to mainstream, and the assessment rubrics. This page brings together the KICD curriculum designs for every grade, organised by level, so you can go straight to the grade you teach. The designs are the latest KICD editions and download as PDF.
Pre-Primary
Pre-primary is the foundation level, where learning is play-based and activity-centred, preparing children for Grade 1.
Lower Primary
Lower primary (Grades 1–3) builds early literacy, numeracy and social skills through integrated "Activities" learning areas.
Upper Primary
Upper primary (Grades 4–6) introduces distinct subjects – English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Science & Technology, Agriculture and Nutrition, Social Studies, Creative Arts and Religious Education – and prepares learners for Junior School.
Junior School
Junior School (Grades 7–9) deepens subject learning and introduces learning areas such as Integrated Science, Pre-Technical Studies and more.
Senior School
Senior School begins at Grade 10, where learners follow pathways and specialise in chosen subjects.
How to use the curriculum designs
Start with the design for your grade and learning area. Read the general and specific learning outcomes to see what learners should achieve, then use the strands, sub-strands, suggested learning experiences and assessment rubrics to plan. From the design you (or a ready-made resource) can build the scheme of work, lesson plans and assessments – all of which should trace back to the outcomes the design sets out.
Download the curriculum designs (PDF)
Every KICD curriculum design above downloads as a PDF from our catalogue. Use the grade links to open the designs for your level, or the button below for the full curriculum-designs catalogue across all grades.