Grade 9 learners begin choosing senior school pathways under CBC

Moi Forces Junior Secondary learners recite a poem during launch of Grade 9 classrooms on January 30, 2025 [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

More than one million Grade 9 learners have started selecting their senior school pathways under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), marking a key phase in Kenya’s education reform.
Each learner is expected to  choose three subject combinations and four schools per pathway using a new automated platform—selection.education.go.ke—rolled out by the Ministry of Education.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the process will run from Sunday, June 9 to Sunday, June 30. Learners are guided by their teachers to select 12 schools in total based on individual interests, performance and school capacity.
“The Ministry has rolled out the preparations for transition of Grade 10 in 2026. This involves selection of pathways, subjects’ combinations and senior schools,” said Bitok.
He explained that each school must upload subject offerings and declare available capacity, with Sub-County Directors expected to vet combinations to ensure quality and balance in demand.
Learners with special needs are allowed to pick fewer schools focused on institutions that offer appropriate support.
“All field officers are expected to support this process,” noted Bitok.
The CBC offers three career pathways—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science. 
Some senior schools have been categorised as Triple Pathway Schools, offering all three options, while others are Dual Pathway Schools, offering two.
Bitok said the placement process will consider the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), which carries 60 per cent weight, and School-Based Assessments (SBAs) from Grades Seven and Eight, each contributing 20 per cent.
The combined score will determine placement into senior schools, matching performance with student choices. 
The government has mapped schools and identified their capacity to host learners based on declared ability and infrastructure.
To support this shift, over 9,000 senior school principals have been trained by the Teachers Service Commission on guiding learners through the new system.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association chairman Willie Kuria said schools are prepared to admit learners.
“Senior school is a pre-career phase. Our job is to ensure every learner is placed where their interests, talents and academic potential can be nurtured fully,” said Kuria.

He noted the move represents more than just academic placement.
“It marks the beginning of a transition that will see these young learners’ step into Grade 10 in 2026, guided not just by grades but by interests, talents and personal dreams,” said Kuria.
Four core subjects—Mathematics, English, Kiswahili and Community Service Learning—remain compulsory across all pathways.
“Whether a child dreams of being a robotics engineer, a historian or a football star, there’s room for that dream here. This process ensures that every learner finds a space where their potential can thrive,” said Bitok.
However, concerns remain among parents about transparency and school readiness.
“This is one of the most important stages in our children’s life. We need to be sure that the process will be transparent, free from bias,” said Maina Murimi from Murang’a.
“How prepared are our schools to take the learners. We have seen a lot of challenges in preparedness. Students are not informed on the right pathway which may force some to drop along the way,” said Anne Atieno from Nairobi.