Kenyan Grade 9 learners and their parents have just under a month—until June 30—to complete the critical process of selecting subject combinations that will define their career pathways in Grade 10, as part of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) rollout.

According to Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, this marks a historic moment as over 1.2 million students prepare to transition into Senior School, the final phase of basic education under CBC. Learners will now specialise in one of three key pathways: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), Arts & Sports, or Social Sciences. Core subjects like English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, and Community Service remain compulsory across all tracks.

“This decision will shape their future career trajectories,” said PS Bitok, urging schools and parents to guide students carefully.

What Are the Subject Pathway Options?

The Ministry of Education has published detailed subject combinations, structured under five broad categories. Below is a summary of each, tailored to students’ talents, interests, and career aspirations.

1. STEM – Pure & Applied Sciences

For academically inclined learners, STEM options offer science-heavy combinations, including:

• Biology & Chemistry or Chemistry & Physics with add-ons like Computer Studies, Home Science, or Metal Work.

• Applied Sciences track includes pairings such as Agriculture & Business Studies or Agriculture & Computer Studies, supplemented with technical subjects like Marine & Fisheries, Electricity, or Building Construction.

2. STEM – Technical Studies

Ideal for students with a vocational or technical aptitude:

• Combinations like Building Construction & Business Studies or Electricity & General Science, with electives ranging from Media Technology to Advanced Mathematics and Home Science.

3. Arts & Sports

Designed for learners with creative or athletic strengths:

• Specialisations in Fine Arts, Theatre & Film, Music & Dance, or Sports & Recreation.

• Students can combine these with subjects like Geography, French, Computer Studies, English Literature, or Media Technology.

4. Social Sciences

For those interested in humanities, governance, and business:

• Options like Business Studies & History, CRE/IRE & Geography, or Fasihi ya Kiswahili & Sign Language.

• Additional subjects may include Mandarin, Arabic, Literature in English, or General Science.

5. Languages & Literature

A unique pathway that nurtures future linguists, writers, and diplomats:

• Sample pairings include Arabic & French or Indigenous Language & English Literature, with supplementary options such as Geography, Business Studies, or Advanced Mathematics.

What Parents and Schools Should Do

The Ministry is urging all stakeholders to provide career guidance and counselling support to learners before they finalise their selections. Schools are expected to facilitate the online submissions via the official CBC transition portal, ensuring that no learner is left behind due to lack of access or information.

"This process is not just administrative—it’s formative. It determines the opportunities learners will be eligible for later in life," Bitok emphasized.

Why It Matters

This marks a pivotal step in CBC's phased rollout, shifting the focus from a one-size-fits-all education model to a more learner-centered approach. The selected pathways are expected to lay the foundation for higher education, technical training, or entrepreneurship, aligned with the nation's future workforce needs.