Grade 9 students start selecting senior school pathways under CBC

More than one million Grade 9 students across Kenya have begun selecting their preferred senior school pathways under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), signaling a crucial milestone in the country's ongoing education reforms.

Through a newly launched online platform selection.education.go.ke students are required to choose three subject combinations and identify four school options for each chosen pathway.

This process, which officially began on Sunday, June 9, will continue until Sunday, June 30.

Learners are being guided by their teachers to make informed choices, selecting a total of 12 schools based on their interests, academic performance, and the capacities of the institutions.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok noted that the Ministry of Education has initiated the preparations for the transition of learners to Grade 10 in 2026.

These preparations include the selection of preferred pathways, subject groupings, and matching students with senior schools.

Each school is expected to upload information on the subjects they offer and indicate their intake capacity. Sub

Kuria emphasized that the process goes beyond academic placement, describing it as a significant transition toward personal growth and career exploration.

“This marks the beginning of a journey that will take these learners into Grade 10 by 2026 not just guided by academic scores, but also by their unique interests, abilities, and aspirations,” he said.

All students, regardless of pathway, will be required to take four core subjects: Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, and Community Service Learning.

“There is room for every dream whether a child envisions becoming a robotics engineer, a historian, or a professional athlete,” said PS Bitok. “This process is about placing each learner where their potential can flourish.”

Despite the optimistic outlook, some parents voiced concerns about how the rollout will be managed.

“This is a critical point in our children’s lives. We just want to ensure the system is transparent and impartial,” said Maina Murimi from Murang’a.

Anne Atieno from Nairobi questioned whether schools are fully prepared for the transition.

“Many students lack proper guidance in choosing the right pathways, and that might lead to dropouts later on,” she warned, urging the government to enhance preparedness and clarity.