Under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), Grade 9 learners will transition to Senior Secondary School (Grades 10–12) by selecting specialized pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and career aspirations. This transition will occur after they have completed the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2025.
The KJSEA will contribute 60% to the final assessment, with the remaining 40% derived from School-Based Assessments (SBAs) conducted in Grades 7 and 8 and KPSEA. Learners will choose their preferred career pathways—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Arts and Sports Science; or Social Sciences—based on their performance and interests.
School placement will consider factors such as merit, learner preferences, and regional balance, ensuring a fair and equitable transition process.
Selection Process:
In the second term of Grade 9, learners will choose their preferred pathways and select 12 schools accordingly:
Seven schools for their first-choice pathway and subject combination.
Three schools for their second-choice pathway.
Two schools for their third-choice pathway.
Accommodation and Regional Considerations:
The selection process also takes into account accommodation types and regional distribution to promote diversity and inclusivity:
- Boarding Schools:
- Nine schools will be boarding institutions:
- Four from the learner’s home county.
- Five from outside their home county.
- Nine schools will be boarding institutions:
- Day Schools:
- Three schools will be day schools within the learner’s home sub-county or county of residence.
Top-performing learners will have priority placement in boarding schools based on their performance and chosen pathways. In every sub-county, the top two boys and top two girls pursuing the STEM pathway will secure a place in a boarding school of their choice.
The same applies to the top boy and top girl in the Social Sciences pathway, as well as high scorers in the Arts and Sports Science pathway — they’ll be placed in boarding schools that offer those specific tracks.
For learners with special needs, those who achieve Level 7 or 8 in their assessments will also be considered for placement in boarding schools of their choice, helping to ensure they continue their education in supportive learning environments.
Core Subjects in Senior Secondary School Under the CBC
In Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), all senior secondary school students (grades 10–12) are required to undertake the following core subjects, regardless of their chosen pathways:
- English
- Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language (for learners who are deaf)
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
These subjects are designed to equip learners with essential communication skills, promote community engagement, and encourage physical well-being. Additionally, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills are integrated across various subjects to enhance digital literacy.
Pathway-Specific Subjects:
Beyond the core subjects, students specialize in one of three pathways, each offering a range of subjects tailored to specific interests and career aspirations:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM):
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General Science
- Computer Studies
- Agriculture
- Home Science
- Drawing and Design
- Aviation Technology
- Building and Construction
- Electrical Technology
- Metal Technology
- Power Mechanics
- Wood Technology
- Media Technology
- Marine and Fisheries Technology
- Arts and Sports Science:
- Music
- Fine Art
- Performing Arts (Theatre, Dance)
- Media Studies
- Physical Education and Sports
- Creative Writing
- Social Sciences:
- History
- Geography
- Business Studies
- Religious Studies (Christian, Islamic, Hindu)
- Languages (English, Kiswahili, foreign languages)
This structure allows learners to build a strong foundation in essential areas while pursuing subjects that align with their interests and career goals.
