President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education reform, saying the sector remains the most powerful tool for national transformation and long-term economic growth.

Speaking during a Madaraka Day celebration on Monday, June 1, 2026, on education and development priorities, Ruto said the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is reshaping learning in Kenya by shifting focus from examinations to practical skills and innovation.

“CBC is transforming what learning means in Kenya. It is equipping our children not merely to pass examinations but to think critically, solve problems, innovate and compete on the global stage,” he said.

The president noted that the new system is anchored on nurturing individual talents among learners, saying every child has unique abilities that must be developed.

“It is designed around a simple but powerful belief that every child has unique abilities and talents worth discovering, nurturing and unleashing,” he added.

Rising STEM uptake signals future shift

Ruto expressed optimism over the growing number of learners choosing science and technical pathways, saying it reflects Kenya’s future industrial direction.

“What particularly encourages me is that 52 per cent of learners in the first-ever Grade 10 cohort have chosen the STEM pathway,” he said.

According to him, the trend signals the rise of a new generation that will drive industrialisation and technological advancement.

“This tells us that a new generation is rising, one that will drive Kenya’s industrial transformation, power our technological advancement and build the innovation economy that will define our nation’s next chapter,” Ruto said.

Massive investment in education sector

The President said education has become the foundation of national development, citing increased budget allocation and expanded infrastructure.

“No nation can rise above the knowledge, capabilities and skills of its citizens,” he said.

He revealed that the education budget has grown from Ksh500 billion in 2022 to over Ksh702 billion today, with more than 100,000 teachers employed in three years.

Ruto also highlighted affirmative action programmes in Northern Kenya, noting that 1,800 local teachers from Wajir, Mandera and Garissa have been recruited, while 4,616 students from the region are currently in teacher training colleges.

“This is how lasting solutions are built by investing in people,” he said.