Placement chaos threatens education promise

Parents shop for books at Kakamega Vaghela bookshop on January 2, 2026. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

The transition from Grade 9 to Grade 10 should be a milestone for every Kenyan learner, a chance to pursue subjects and pathways aligned with their abilities and interests. Under Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, this process was meant to restore dignity, empower learners, and prepare them for senior secondary education. Yet for many learners and parents, it has become a source of anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty.