The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced the nomination of Grade 9 learners for placement into the Arts and Sports Science Pathway in Senior School, set to begin in January 2026.
The initiative is a key step in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and is aimed at nurturing Kenya’s emerging talent in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and sports.
According to KNEC’s statement released on September 15, 2025, Grade 9 students will be placed into one of three Senior School pathways: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
“Beginning January 2026, learners who are currently in Grade 9 will be placed into three Senior School pathways based on their demonstrated potential, achievements, and future aspirations,” the statement read in part.
The Ministry of Education has developed a specialized Nomination Tool to guide teachers in identifying students who have excelled in creative arts and sports.
“To facilitate this process, the Ministry of Education has developed a Nomination Tool to guide teachers in nominating learners who exhibit strong potential in the above domains (Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Sports) for placement in Arts and Sports Science Pathway in Senior School,” the statement said.
KNEC instructed schools to nominate learners with proven records, including awards, participation in performances, original work, and competitions.
“Schools are hereby required to nominate Grade 9 learners who have demonstrated exceptional potential and talents in any of the following components of Creative Arts and Sports: Music and Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, or Sports who could be placed in Arts and Sports Science Pathway to actualize their potentials,” the council stated.
To submit nominations, school heads must access the official portal at https://nomination.knec.ac.ke using their school codes as username and password. Institutions are required to follow the user manual carefully and provide the names and supporting evidence of eligible learners.
KNEC emphasized that all nominations must be credible and objective. “Each form must be completed objectively and only for learners who have demonstrated exceptional ability in the specified domains,” the council stated.
Schools must provide accurate information, supported by relevant evidence, to ensure transparency and fairness in the placement process.
“Schools are required to provide sincere and accurate information when filling out the nomination forms. To ensure credibility and fairness in learner placement, every entry must be supported by relevant evidence(s) that validates the learner's abilities and potential,” the statement read.
The deadline for submitting nominated learners is Friday, September 17, 2025, and KNEC has urged schools to adhere strictly to the timelines to ensure a smooth placement process.
