The Ministry of Education has released thorough guidelines outlining the progression of students from junior to senior secondary school as the government continues to adopt the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
This program represents a significant change in the country’s educational system by attempting to match educational pathways with students’ unique skills and professional goals.
In January 2026, the pioneer cohort, which is presently in Grade 9, is expected to transition to Grade 10. These students will take the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) from October 27 to November 5, 2025, in order to ensure a smooth transition.
The KJSEA’s complete evaluation framework includes 60% from a summative assessment at the end of Grade 9, 20% from school-based assessments in Grades 7 and 8, and 20% from the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
The CBC places a strong focus on career-oriented pathways. Three main alternatives are offered to students: social sciences, arts and sports science, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
According to the Ministry of Education, 60% of students will pursue STEM, 15% will pursue arts and sports science, and 25% will pursue social sciences. Every pathway is painstakingly created to accommodate a range of academic and professional interests, guaranteeing that students receive a customized education that equips them for both the changing labor market and postsecondary education.
Based on their desired professional choices, students will choose from a total of 12 senior schools in order to get ready for their transition. Seven schools make up their first-choice pathway and track, three make up their second choice, and two make up their third choice.
Nine of them are boarding schools, four of which are in the learner’s home county and five of which are outside; the other three are day schools located in the learner’s home county or sub-county.
The learners’ success on the KJSEA is closely related to the placement procedure. High performers will have the option of being placed in a boarding school of their choosing, especially the top two students per gender in each STEM track within a sub-county.
Likewise, the top-performing student per gender in each sub-county’s Arts and Sports Science and Social Sciences tracks will be placed in the boarding school of their choice.
The rules provide that no more than five students from the same junior school may be assigned to the same boarding school in order to encourage diversity and fair distribution. By ensuring that students from different schools are fairly represented, this policy promotes a lively exchange of cultures and ideas.
The Ministry has detailed mechanisms to facilitate the educational path of students with exceptional requirements, acknowledging their specific demands. Higher achievers will be assigned to schools that are tailored to meet their needs, guaranteeing that they get the resources and assistance they need to succeed both academically and socially.
The senior school curriculum, which covers Grades 10 through 12, requires students to take seven topics. English, Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language (KSL), Community Service Learning, and Physical Education are the four basic topics. To enable specialized emphasis in areas of interest, the remaining three subjects are chosen according to the learner’s chosen pathway and track.
The Ministry has introduced an automated system for the admissions process in an effort to modernize and increase efficiency. Using their assessment numbers, students can view their admission letters online, expediting the process and minimizing administrative snags.
The Ministry has put in place a grievance resolution procedure to guarantee openness and handle any possible issues. Parents and students who are unhappy with placement results can file complaints with the head teacher of the student’s junior school, who will then forward them to the County Director of Education for resolution.
