Starting August 24 until September 11, 2026, approximately 1.2 million Grade 9 students across Kenya will select their senior secondary schools, career pathways, and subject combinations. This process is part of the Ministry of Education’s preparations for the transition to Grade 10 in 2027.
The selection window follows a delay that raised concerns among education stakeholders about the limited time for learners to make informed choices and adequately prepare for senior school.
Pathways and Selection Process
Students will choose from three main career pathways:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Sports Science
The choices made during this period will influence learners’ senior secondary education and future career trajectories. The selection is conducted through the Ministry’s automated placement system.
Competency-Based Education Rollout
This exercise is part of the ongoing rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum. Students will complete the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) at the end of their junior school cycle as a key component of this system.
Oversight and Preparations
Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa has instructed education officials at regional, county, and sub-county levels to supervise the selection process closely. Ahead of the selection period, virtual sensitisation sessions for education officers and school heads will be held from August 3 to August 11, 2026.
This cohort represents the second group to transition under the CBE framework, following the first batch that moved to Grade 10 in January 2026.
