The Ministry of Education has unveiled significant changes in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) as students prepare to transition to Grade 10.
One of the most notable adjustments is the removal of Mathematics as a mandatory subject.
Unlike the 8-4-4 system, where students were required to study Mathematics alongside English, Kiswahili, and at least two science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology), the new CBC structure allows senior school students to opt out of Mathematics.
Under this new framework, all learners in senior school must study four core subjects, irrespective of their chosen career pathway. These include English, Kiswahili/Kenya Sign Language, Community Service Learning, and Physical Education.
Beyond these core subjects, students will select three optional subjects based on their preferred pathway. The Ministry has categorized these pathways into three distinct groups: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The Arts and Sports Science pathway includes subjects such as Fine Arts, Music and Dance, Theatre and Film, Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation.
The Social Sciences pathway offers Business Studies, History and Citizenship, Geography, Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE), Hindu Religious Education (HRE), Community Service Learning (CSL), and Languages and Literature.
The STEM pathway comprises Pure Sciences—Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and General Science—along with Applied Sciences such as Agriculture, Computer Science, Home Science, and various Technical Studies.
The Ministry has set a directive for at least 60 per cent of the current Grade Nine learners to enroll in the STEM pathway in senior secondary school, starting in January 2026.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang stated that students will begin selecting their preferred subjects in the second term, providing them with ample time in the first term to explore their options and consult with their parents before making a final decision.
“We are allowing students to go home and discuss their interests with their parents before making their choices. The selection process will commence immediately when they return to school,” Kipsang told The Standard.
Additionally, the Ministry has proposed a policy limiting the number of students from a single junior secondary school joining the same senior school to a maximum of five. This initiative aims to enhance diversity in school placements.
However, some education stakeholders have expressed concerns, particularly regarding its feasibility for day schools, which primarily cater to students from their immediate communities.
