The transition from Junior Secondary School (JSS) to Senior School (SS) under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) marks a pivotal moment for over 1.2 million Grade 9 learners in 2025. As the inaugural CBC cohort prepares to sit the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) from October 27 to November 5, 2025, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has released comprehensive guidelines to ensure a fair, transparent, and automated placement process for Grade 10 in January 2026. These guidelines, rooted in national and international frameworks like the Constitution of Kenya (2010), Basic Education Act (2013), and Sustainable Development Goal 4, align with Kenya Vision 2030’s goal of equitable education.
Why Senior School Placement Matters
The CBC, introduced in 2017, replaces the 8-4-4 system with a 2-6-3-3-3 structure, emphasizing competency-based learning. Senior School (Grades 10–12) is the third transition point, following Pre-Primary to Primary and Primary to JSS. Unlike the previous system, where KCPE and KCSE determined placement, CBC placement prioritizes learners’ interests, aptitudes, and career pathways, assessed through the KJSEA (60%) and School-Based Assessments (SBAs) in Grades 7 and 8 (40%).
The placement process is critical to:
- Align Education with Careers: Learners choose pathways (STEM, Arts and Sports, or Social Sciences) to match their talents and ambitions.
- Ensure Equity: Affirmative action and regional balancing promote access for marginalized groups.
- Support 100% Transition: All Grade 9 learners are guaranteed placement, per MoE’s policy.
- Leverage Automation: The Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) ensures transparency and efficiency.
With the process starting May 26, 2025, understanding the guidelines is essential for a smooth transition.
Overview of Pathways at Senior School
Senior School learners take seven subjects: four core (English, Kiswahili/Kenya Sign Language, Community Service Learning, Physical Education) and three electives from their chosen pathway and track. The MoE has defined three career-oriented pathways to align education with individual strengths and market demands:
Senior School Pathways and Subject Combinations 2025
1. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM):
- Target: 60% of learners, reflecting Kenya’s focus on industrialization.
- Tracks:
- Pure Sciences (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
- Applied Sciences (e.g., Agriculture, Computer Science).
- Technical and Engineering (e.g., Technical Drawing, Aviation Technology).
- Subjects: Mathematics, sciences, and technical subjects, tailored to career goals like engineering or medicine.
- Ideal For: Students with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
2. Arts and Sports Science:
- Target: 15% of learners, fostering creativity and physical talent.
- Tracks:
- Performing Arts (e.g., Music, Drama).
- Visual Arts (e.g., Art and Design).
- Sports Science (e.g., Sports Management, Coaching).
- Subjects: Creative arts, sports, and related electives.
- Ideal For: Learners with talents in music, art, or athletics.
3. Social Sciences:
- Target: 25% of learners, preparing for leadership and humanities roles.
- Tracks:
- Humanities (e.g., History, Geography, Religious Studies).
- Business Studies (e.g., Accounting, Economics).
- Languages and Literature.
- Subjects: Social studies, business, and language-based electives.
- Ideal For: Students interested in law, journalism, or public administration.
Core Subjects (Mandatory for All):
- English
- Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language (KSL)
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
Subject Selection:
Psychometric tests, teacher insights, and career exploration guide choices.
Learners choose three electives within their pathway and track.
Categorization of Senior Schools
Senior schools, comprising existing secondary schools, are categorized based on pathways, accommodation, gender, and special needs to accommodate diverse learner needs.
Pathway-Based Categorization:
- Triple Pathway Schools: Offer STEM, Arts and Sports, and Social Sciences (e.g., national schools with superior infrastructure).
- Double Pathway Schools:
- STEM and Arts/Sports (STEAMS).
- STEM and Social Sciences (STEMS).
- Single Pathway Schools: Specialize in one pathway, typically in resource-constrained areas.
Accommodation-Based Categorization:
- Day Senior Schools: Learners commute daily, ideal for cost-conscious families.
- Hybrid Senior Schools: Combine boarding and day options for flexibility.
- Boarding Senior Schools: Full-time residence, often preferred for national or extra-county schools.
Gender-Based Categorization:
- Single-Sex Schools: Boys-only or girls-only.
- Mixed-Sex Schools: Co-educational environments.
Special Needs Education (SNE):
- Special Needs Senior Schools: Cater to learners with hearing impairments, visual impairments, physical disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, cognitive difficulties, or deafblindness.
- Vocational Senior Schools: Focus on practical skills for SNE learners.
This categorization ensures schools align with learners’ pathway choices and logistical needs, with national schools offering all three pathways due to their capacity.
Selection and Placement to Grade 10
The placement process, running from May 26 to June 15, 2025, is automated via KEMIS and guided by five principles: merit, psychometric tests, equity, learner choice, and school capacity.
Selection Process:
- Pathway and Subject Selection:
- Learners, guided by teachers and parents, choose a pathway and track based on:
- Academic Performance: KJSEA (60%) and SBAs in Grades 7–8 (40%).
- Psychometric Tests: KNEC-administered tests assess aptitude, interests, and talents.
- Teacher Insights: Recommendations on strengths and weaknesses.
- Schools log into KEMIS to access learner details and input choices.
- Learners, guided by teachers and parents, choose a pathway and track based on:
- School Selection:
- Learners select 12 schools:
- First Choice: Four schools for preferred track and subject combination.
- Second Choice: Four schools for an alternative track.
- Third Choice: Four schools for a fallback track.
- Accommodation:
- Nine boarding schools: three from the learner’s home county, six from other counties.
- Three day schools in the learner’s sub-county.
- Learners select 12 schools:
- Pre-Selection:
Placement Criteria:
- Merit-Based Placement:
- Top six learners per gender in each STEM track per sub-county are placed in boarding schools of choice.
- Top three learners per gender in Social Sciences and top two in Arts and Sports Science per sub-county secure boarding placements.
- Learners with KJSEA achievement levels of 7 or 8 (high proficiency) are prioritized for boarding schools.
- Equity: Regional balancing ensures fair access, with affirmative action for marginalized groups and SNE learners.
- School Capacity: Placement respects declared vacancies for boarding and day schooling.
Timeline:
- May 26–June 15, 2025: School and pathway selection via KEMIS.
- October 27–November 5, 2025: KJSEA administration.
- December 2025: Placement results announced.
- January 2026: Grade 10 reporting.
Admission and Replacement Process
The admission process is fully automated to enhance transparency and accountability.
Admission:
- Placement Results: Available online via KEMIS, showing allocated schools.
- Admission Letters: Accessed using the learner’s KJSEA assessment number.
- KEMIS Integration: All public and private schools admit Grade 10 learners through KEMIS.
- Physical Reporting: Principals enter learners into KEMIS only after physical reporting.
- Monitoring: Daily online reporting via KEMIS ensures compliance.
Replacement Process:
- Vacancy Declaration: Schools with unfilled slots report to county directors of education.
- Requests for Change:
- Learners request school changes through JSS heads at least two weeks before Grade 10 reporting (January 2026).
- Priority is given to those who previously selected the requested school.
- Approval: MoE approves based on documented school capacity.
- Irreversible: Replacements are final, with new joining instructions accessed online.
- No Printed Letters: Schools cannot issue printed replacement letters.
Grievance Redress:
- Dissatisfied learners or parents channel complaints through JSS heads to county directors.
- MoE offices address grievances per existing laws and policies.
Automated Placement System
The KEMIS-based automated system streamlines placement by integrating multiple data points:
Inputs:
- Teacher Insights: Qualitative feedback on learner potential.
- Academic Performance: KJSEA and SBA scores determine eligibility.
- Student Interests: Career exploration and psychometric test results guide pathway choices.
Process:
- Data Processing: KEMIS aggregates inputs to match learners with schools.
- Modifiable Controls: Allows adjustments for equity and special needs.
- Monitoring: Real-time tracking ensures fairness.
- Data-Based Decisions: Placement aligns with school capacity and learner preferences.
This system minimizes manual errors, ensures transparency, and supports the MoE’s goal of equitable education.
Roles and Responsibilities of Key Actors
The MoE outlines clear roles to ensure a credible placement process:
- Cabinet Secretary for Education (Julius Migos Ogamba): Oversees policy and guideline implementation.
- Principal Secretary for Basic Education: Coordinates logistics and stakeholder engagement.
- Director General of Education: Supervises national execution.
- Head of Secondary Education Directorate: Manages senior school transitions.
- Field Officers:
- Regional Directors of Education (RDEs): Monitor regional compliance.
- County Directors of Education (CDEs): Handle county-level placement and grievances.
- Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs): Support school-level processes.
- Principals of Senior Schools: Verify admissions and report vacancies.
- Heads of Junior Schools: Guide learners in pathway and school selection.
Collaboration among these actors, supported by KNEC, KICD, and TSC, ensures a smooth transition.
Preparing for the 2025 Placement Process
Parents, learners, and educators can take proactive steps to navigate the transition:
For Learners:
- Explore Pathways: Use career guidance sessions to identify strengths and interests.
- Prepare for KJSEA: Focus on Grade 7–9 coursework, as SBAs contribute 40% to placement.
- Engage Teachers: Seek advice on subject combinations and school choices.
For Parents:
- Understand Pathways: Attend school meetings to learn about STEM, Arts, and Social Sciences.
- Support Selection: Guide learners in choosing 12 schools, balancing boarding and day options.
- Monitor Deadlines: Ensure selections are completed by June 15, 2025.
For Educators:
- Facilitate Guidance: Use KEMIS to input learner choices accurately.
- Conduct Assessments: Administer psychometric tests and SBAs fairly.
- Communicate: Inform parents about the process and deadlines.
Challenges and Solutions
The transition to senior school under CBC presents challenges, but the MoE has proposed solutions:
Challenges:
- Infrastructure Gaps: Some schools lack laboratories for STEM or facilities for Arts/Sports.
- Teacher Shortages: Specialized subjects require trained educators.
- Parental Awareness: Many parents are unfamiliar with CBC pathways.
Solutions:
- Infrastructure Investment: Sh12.8 billion allocated for 15,015 JSS classrooms, with plans for senior school labs.
- Teacher Training: TSC and KEMI are training educators for CBC delivery.
- Stakeholder Dialogues: County-based forums from March 9–15, 2025, will educate parents and validate guidelines.
The Role of CBC in Kenya’s Education Landscape
The CBC aligns with Kenya Vision 2030 by fostering skills like critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy. The senior school placement process supports this by:
- Personalizing Education: Pathways cater to individual talents, unlike the one-size-fits-all 8-4-4 system.
- Promoting Equity: Affirmative action ensures access for SNE learners and marginalized regions.
- Driving Innovation: STEM emphasis prepares students for Kenya’s industrialization goals.
The MoE’s investment in automation (KEMIS), infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement reflects a commitment to making CBC a success.
The placement of JSS students into senior schools in 2025 is a landmark event in Kenya’s CBC journey, affecting over 1.2 million Grade 9 learners. Guided by the MoE’s comprehensive guidelines, the process prioritizes merit, equity, and learner choice, using an automated KEMIS system to ensure transparency. With three pathways—STEM, Arts and Sports, and Social Sciences—learners can align their education with career aspirations, supported by psychometric tests and teacher insights. The selection period (May 26–June 15, 2025) and KJSEA (October 27–November 5, 2025) are critical milestones, leading to Grade 10 admissions in January 2026.
Parents and learners should engage with schools, explore pathways, and meet deadlines to secure preferred placements. For inquiries, contact your county director of education or visit www.education.go.ke. By embracing these guidelines, Kenya is paving the way for a skilled, equitable, and future-ready generation.
