6 min read Everyone Updated Mar 2026

The 7 Core Competencies Explained
(With Examples)

Quick summary: The CBC framework is built around seven core competencies that every learner develops from pre-primary through senior school. These competencies—ranging from Communication to Digital Literacy—are woven into every subject and activity. This article explains each competency in plain language and gives real-life examples of what they look like in the classroom and at home.

In the Competency-Based Curriculum, subjects are the “vehicles” for developing deeper abilities called competencies. A competency is more than just knowledge—it’s the ability to apply knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to successfully perform a task. The framework identifies seven core competencies that every Kenyan learner should develop from pre-primary through senior school.

Below, we break down each competency, explain why it matters, and give practical examples of how it appears in learning and in life.

1. Communication and Collaboration

What it means: The ability to express ideas clearly, listen actively, and work effectively with others in diverse settings. It includes both verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as the ability to collaborate in teams, negotiate, and resolve conflicts.

🏫 In the classroom: Grade 4 learners work in small groups to create a poster about water conservation. They must discuss ideas, listen to each other, divide tasks, and present their final work to the class.

🏠 At home: A child explains to a parent how they solved a disagreement with a sibling, using “I feel” statements and suggesting a compromise.

2. Self-Efficacy

What it means: A learner’s belief in their own ability to succeed, set goals, and persist through challenges. It includes self-awareness, confidence, resilience, and personal responsibility.

🏫 In the classroom: A Grade 6 learner keeps a personal journal where they reflect on what they learned each week, what they found difficult, and how they plan to improve. They set their own learning goals.

🏠 At home: A child attempts to tie their shoes repeatedly until they succeed, saying “I can do this” even after several failed tries.

3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

What it means: The ability to analyse situations, evaluate information, make reasoned decisions, and find creative solutions to problems. It involves asking questions, thinking logically, and considering multiple perspectives.

🏫 In the classroom: In Science and Technology, Grade 5 learners investigate why plants in one corner of the school garden are wilting. They form hypotheses, test soil moisture, check for pests, and propose solutions.

🏠 At home: A teenager compares prices, features, and reviews before advising the family which phone to buy, weighing pros and cons.

4. Creativity and Imagination

What it means: The ability to generate new ideas, see possibilities, and turn imaginative thoughts into reality. It includes artistic expression, innovation, and original thinking.

🏫 In the classroom: During Creative Arts, Grade 3 learners use recycled materials to invent a new board game. They design the rules, create the pieces, and explain their game to classmates.

🏠 At home: A child builds a “car” from cardboard boxes and bottle caps, imagining it can fly to the moon.

5. Citizenship

What it means: Understanding one’s rights and responsibilities as a member of the community, nation, and world. It includes patriotism, respect for diversity, social justice, environmental stewardship, and active participation in society.

🏫 In the classroom: As part of Community Service Learning, Grade 7 learners organise a clean-up day at a local river and create awareness posters about plastic pollution.

🏠 At home: A family discusses the importance of voting, and the child asks questions about why elections matter.

6. Digital Literacy

What it means: The ability to use technology safely, responsibly, and effectively for learning, communication, and problem-solving. It includes basic computer skills, internet safety, and evaluating online information.

🏫 In the classroom: Grade 6 learners use tablets to research a topic for a project, learning to distinguish reliable websites from unreliable ones. They create a simple slideshow presentation.

🏠 At home: A child teaches a grandparent how to video call a relative abroad, explaining how to use the app safely.

7. Learning to Learn

What it means: The ability to pursue and persist in learning, organise one’s own learning, and manage time and information effectively. It includes understanding one’s learning style, setting goals, and reflecting on progress.

🏫 In the classroom: At the end of a term, Grade 8 learners review their portfolios, identify their strongest work, and write a reflection on what learning strategies worked best for them.

🏠 At home: A learner notices they remember facts better when they draw pictures, so they start creating mind maps to study for tests.

How Competencies Work Together

The seven competencies are not taught in isolation. A single classroom activity can develop multiple competencies at once. For example, when learners work on a group project:

They communicate and collaborate with teammates.
They use critical thinking to solve problems.
They may use digital tools to research (digital literacy).
They build self-efficacy as they gain confidence.
If the project helps the community, they practise citizenship.
They might create something original, using creativity.
They reflect on how they learned, building learning to learn.

Why These Seven?

These competencies were chosen based on research, national goals, and global best practices. They align with the skills needed for the 21st century: adaptability, collaboration, problem-solving, and digital fluency. They also reflect Kenya’s vision of producing engaged, empowered, and ethical citizens.

How Are Competencies Assessed?

Teachers observe and document how learners demonstrate these competencies over time. Assessment tools include:

Observation checklists – noting how a learner collaborates in group work.
Portfolios – collecting evidence of creativity, writing, or projects.
Rubrics – scoring critical thinking in a science investigation.
Learner reflections – journals where students assess their own growth.

The goal is not to give a “grade” for each competency, but to track progress and provide feedback that helps learners improve.

Key Takeaways

The seven core competencies are the foundation of CBC—they are the “what” learners should be able to do, not just know.
Each competency is developed across all subjects and grade levels.
Competencies are assessed through observation, portfolios, and reflections—not just tests.
Real-life examples help parents and teachers see how competencies look in action.
These skills prepare learners for higher education, work, and life.

What’s Next?

Now that you understand the seven competencies, explore these related articles:

What is CBC? CBC vs 8-4-4 Parent’s Guide to Assessment 2-6-3-3-3 Structure

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The 7 Core Competencies Explained

The 7 Core Competencies Explained (With Examples)