Parents and guardians of Grade 9 learners have until September 11, 2026, to finalize their children’s pathways, subject selections, and senior school choices as we prepare for the first cohort to transition to senior school under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
The Ministry of Education initiated the selection process on August 24, 2026, allowing families approximately three weeks to submit their preferences through the official Grade 10 Selection and Placement System.
This selection exercise empowers learners to express their preferred pathways, subject combinations, and senior school options. However, please note that while the selection indicates interest, placement will depend on the Ministry’s allocation based on learner choices, school capacity, and subject combinations.
This service is provided at no cost.
Pathway Selection Made Simple
The first important decision for families involves choosing one of the three pathways available at the senior school level: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, or Arts and Sports Science.
STEM has garnered considerable interest, with approximately 59% of Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) candidates demonstrating potential in this area. This pathway encompasses fields such as medicine, engineering, ICT, aviation, and other technical careers.
Social Sciences offers subjects like history, geography, business, and languages, laying the groundwork for careers in law, journalism, teaching, diplomacy, and public service.
Arts and Sports Science includes disciplines such as music, theatre, visual arts, and sports.
Education officials encourage families to consider each learner’s abilities and interests when making their decisions.
The Importance of Subject Combinations
Once a pathway is chosen, learners will select three electives in addition to four compulsory subjects: English, Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language, Mathematics, and Community Service Learning.
STEM learners typically take Core Mathematics, while those in other pathways will opt for Essential Mathematics.
It is crucial that the subject combination aligns with the learner’s future career aspirations. For instance, a student interested in medicine might select Core Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry, whereas an aspiring engineer could choose Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Additional STEM options include Computer Studies and technical subjects such as Aviation, Electricity, Building and Construction, Power Mechanics, Media Technology, and Marine and Fisheries.
Verify School Choices Before Submission
We advise parents to verify that their preferred senior schools offer the selected pathway and corresponding subject combinations prior to finalizing their choices.
National or C1 schools, such as Alliance High School, Alliance Girls High School, Kenya High School, Nairobi School, Mang’u High School, Lenana School, Starehe Boys’ Centre, Kakamega School, Maseno School, Moi Girls Eldoret, and Pangani Girls, may provide various pathways and subject combinations, but availability can differ by institution.
Families should confirm details on the selection portal, ensuring they check the pathway, subject combination, boarding or day status, and location.
After making selections, parents are encouraged to review the choices with their learner and download the confirmation slip. Utilize the “My Selections” section with the assessment number to ensure that the choices are accurately recorded.
For any issues with the portal or NEMIS/KEMIS, please report them through the junior school or Ministry support channels before the September 11, 2026, deadline.
