The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has introduced significant changes to the Upper Primary School curriculum (Grades 4, 5, and 6) for the 2025 academic year. These changes represent a strategic shift toward digital literacy, sustainability, and global citizenship, while maintaining the competency-based curriculum (CBC) framework.
Digital Integration Across Learning Areas
One of the most notable changes is the comprehensive integration of digital literacy across all learning areas. English and Kiswahili curricula now incorporate critical media literacy and digital storytelling, preparing students for ethical digital communication. Religious Education has evolved to include digital Bible and Qur’an study tools, while Creative Arts and Social Studies now feature collaborative digital projects and multimedia expression.
The transformation extends to the STEM subjects like Mathematics, which now emphasizes digital tools for problem-solving, and Science & Technology, which incorporates digital simulations for enhanced learning experiences. This digital integration is aimed at preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven world.
Environmental Sustainability Focus
The 2025 curriculum demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability. Agriculture, previously Agriculture & Nutrition, has been redesigned to include climate-smart farming practices and environmental resilience. This focus on sustainability extends beyond science-based subjects, with Mathematics incorporating economic sustainability concepts and Social Studies embedding environmental stewardship principles.
Shift in Assessment Methods
A fundamental change in the 2025 curriculum is further emphasis on moving away from traditional assessment methods. The new framework emphasizes:
- Collaborative projects and peer reviews
- Real-world application tasks
- Digital portfolios and multimedia presentations
- Interactive and experiential learning assessments
This shift represents a departure from conventional memory-based evaluations, aligning with the CBC’s focus on practical skills and competency development.
Global Citizenship and Cultural Awareness
The updated curriculum places significant emphasis on preparing students for global citizenship. Language subjects, including Arabic and French, now incorporate intercultural competence through digital platforms. Social Studies and Religious Education have expanded to cover international relations, social justice, and ethical leadership, fostering a broader worldview among students.
Subject-Specific Transformations
Key changes across core subjects include:
- Mathematics: Enhanced focus on financial literacy and economic development
- Science & Technology: Greater emphasis on innovation and environmental challenges
- Creative Arts: Integration of digital arts and sustainable artistic practices
- Religious Education: Incorporation of social justice discussions and ethical debates
Implementation Implications for Educators
For educators, these changes necessitate:
- Enhanced digital competency to effectively deliver the technology-integrated curriculum
- Adoption of new assessment strategies focusing on practical applications
- Development of cross-curricular teaching approaches
- Integration of sustainability concepts across subject areas
The success of this curriculum will depend significantly on effective implementation by educators and support from all education stakeholders.
Download a more detailed analysis of upper primary learning areas.
