President William Ruto has revealed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta warned him that undertaking reforms in Kenya’s education sector would be one of the most challenging tasks in government.

Speaking during the commemoration ceremony of the International Youth Day at the Masinde Muliro University Grounds in Kakamega County on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Ruto disclosed that upon taking office, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) faced widespread criticism, universities were struggling financially, and the education system lacked a clear transition structure for learners.

“I was told by my predecessor that this one is very difficult and that is why many people did not want to touch reform in the education sector,” Ruto said.

Despite the warning, Ruto explained that he chose to confront the challenges facing the education sector rather than shy away from them, emphasising the need to strengthen the country’s human capital.

“But I had the option of doing nothing about our education sector because it is difficult. But I also had the other option of doing something about it. Maybe difficult, but getting it right. And I chose the latter,” he added.

CBC criticism

Ruto specifically highlighted how many parents called for the abolition of the CBC due to the lack of a clear structure, stating that universities were struggling under the existing funding model.

“You remember when we were campaigning, many people were asking why we should continue with CBC. Many were saying CBC should be abolished,” he recalled.

“The reality is that our universities were struggling, including Masinde Muliro, because of the funding model that we had at that time,” he explained.

Education reforms

Ruto outlined the achievements of his education reforms, highlighting the resolution of CBC implementation challenges and the creation of a clear educational pathway from early childhood development to university level.

“We have sorted out our CBC challenges. We have sorted out the transition from ECD to primary school to junior school to senior school and now to university. The pathway is now clear for all parents,” he explained.

He added that the reforms also addressed teacher shortages and ensured that the system could equip learners with the skills and training necessary for national development.

“It was also necessary to close the gap on teacher employment,” he stated.