The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), now known as Competency-Based Education (CBE), was introduced in Kenya in 2017, replacing the 8-4-4 education system with the new 2-6-3-3 structure. This change redefined learning progression by introducing two levels of secondary education: Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS). While JSS remains part of primary school settings, SSS will take place in current secondary schools.
A key feature of CBE is its focus on learners, allowing them to choose educational pathways that reflect their talents, interests, and career goals.
Key Transition Dates:
- May 2025: Students must select their preferred learning pathway and SSS.
- October 2025: Students will take the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
- 2026: First cohort transitions to Senior Secondary School.
Categories of Senior Secondary Schools:
List of Senior Schools in Kenya:
List of Subject Combinations to be offered in Senior Schools in Kenya
CBE POSSIBLE CAREERS BY PATHWAYS – TRACKS – SUBJECT
CBE POSSIBLE CAREERS EXPLORER BY TRACKS
To meet diverse learning needs, SSSs will be grouped as follows:
- Triple Pathway Schools: Offer all three pathways—STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports.
- Double Pathway Schools: Must offer STEM, and either Social Sciences or Arts & Sports, based on resources and infrastructure.
According to the Ministry of Education, about 60% of students are expected to choose STEM, 25% Social Sciences, and 15% Arts & Sports Science, highlighting Kenya’s growing focus on innovation.
Compulsory Subjects in Senior Secondary:
All students must study:
- English – As the main instructional language.
- Kiswahili – A key regional language.
- Physical Education.
- Community Service Learning (CSL) – Encourages civic engagement and practical problem-solving.
School Selection Guidelines:
Students will select 12 schools:
- 3 day schools within their local area.
- 3 boarding schools in their home county.
- 6 boarding schools in other counties.
To ensure fairness:
- No more than 5 students from the same JSS can be placed in one SSS.
- Placement ensures gender, regional, and refugee inclusion.
Placement Criteria:
Placement into SSS will be based on:
- 20% from Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA)
- 20% from School-Based Assessments (SBA)
- 60% from the KJSEA
This model supports continuous evaluation aligned with the CBE framework.
School Selection Process (Simplified Steps):
- Fill in personal and guardian details with school support.
- Choose one pathway: STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports.
- Pick a specific track within that pathway.
- Select 3 learning areas related to the chosen track.
- Choose 4 schools offering the selected pathway/track:
- 1 day school
- 1 boarding school in the home county
- 2 boarding schools outside the home county
- Repeat steps for two more rounds to reach 12 schools total.
- Submit through the Ministry of Education’s portal.
Government Support:
The Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring fair access to Senior Secondary School for all learners by:
- Distributing students equitably across schools
- Promoting diversity
- Supporting refugee and special needs students
- Improving infrastructure and training teachers
These efforts support Kenya Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: quality education for all.
