Education Ministry moves to clarify Grade 9 pathway transition
In a statement on Saturday, May 31, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the move is aimed at helping learners make informed choices during the selection process.
The Ministry of Education has directed schools to sensitise parents, guardians and candidates on the selection process of the three career pathways as the transition of Grade 9 learners to Grade 10 nears.
In a statement on Saturday, May 31, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the move is aimed at helping learners make informed choices during the selection process.
He assured education stakeholders that no learner will miss out on selecting their preferred schools.
While addressing concerns raised by a report in a local daily newspaper, Ogamba dismissed claims that there was a crisis in the Grade 9 transition process due to delays by the Ministry.
"Currently, the piloting of the process is being conducted in 47 schools that have been selected to represent each county ahead of an official launch next month," Ogamba stated.
He added, "To support the effective rollout of the process, schools across the country have been directed to sensitise parents, guardians and candidates regarding the selection process."
His statement followed the publication of a story by a local daily under the headline Crisis Over Grade 9 Pathway Choices, which blamed the Ministry for allegedly failing to guide the selection of career pathways.
Ogamba clarified that the selection and transition process was going on as planned and that guidelines had already been released to schools.
The Ministry had issued these guidelines on May 22, outlining how learners will choose from three career pathways: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science.
Under the new structure, learners will pursue seven subjects—four core and three optional—based on their selected pathway.
They will also choose 12 schools: nine boarding and three day schools, according to subject combinations and location.
The Ministry says these measures are in place to ensure a smooth transition to Senior Secondary and to empower learners to align their education with future career interests.
