Majority of Learners Opt for Social Sciences Over STEM, Study Finds.
A recent study has revealed that most Grade 9 learners are gravitating towards social sciences rather than science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, contradicting national efforts to push students into STEM fields.
The study, conducted by career assessment firm Central Careers, shows that 39 percent of learners prefer the social science pathway. Meanwhile, 33 percent have shown interest in STEM, and the remaining 28 percent are inclined towards arts and sports.
The Competency-Based Curriculum Framework (CBCF) and recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms had proposed that at least 60 percent of senior school learners pursue STEM.
However, recent research suggests that this target may not be realistic. Joseph Muraya, the chief executive of Central Careers, emphasized the need for practical expectations.
He noted that aligning figures and data is important so that parents don’t feel their children are being left behind or coerced. According to him, “We have to be very realistic and intentional when we talk about the 60 percent so that parents are not worried about their children being cut off or forced.”
The findings were shared during a symposium on competency-based assessment (CBA), hosted by the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec). The event brought together various stakeholders in the education sector to exchange insights on ongoing reforms.
Muraya explained that the assessment covered 147 schools in 16 counties between July 2024 and April 2025. It considered classroom performance as part of its analysis. He emphasized that the figures were not aspirational but based on actual data.
“This is real data and not an aspiration,” he said, urging that learners should be supported in thriving in their career paths rather than simply surviving. He added that this would help develop a society of thinkers rather than just employees.
Learners’ Career Pathway Preferences
The CBC framework offers three main pathways for learners entering senior school: STEM, social sciences, and arts and sports. Of those who selected social sciences, 62 percent chose the language and literature track.
Business studies attracted 20 percent, while 18 percent opted for humanities. For those who selected STEM, 59 percent were interested in pure sciences, followed by 30 percent in applied sciences and 11 percent in technical sciences. These represent the three distinct tracks available under the STEM pathway.
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The pioneer CBC cohort is currently in Grade 9 and is expected to sit for their assessment in November. Over 1.2 million learners will transition to senior school based on their chosen career paths, personal interests, and capabilities.
The annual symposium was themed “Mobilising Assessment Data Usage for Equity in Learning, Instruction and Shaping the Policy Agenda.” The event serves as a platform for key education stakeholders to address current issues and explore potential solutions. One participant stated, “It’s important that policy follows data, not just ideals. These numbers tell us what the learners are actually inclined to pursue.”
Majority of Learners Opt for Social Sciences Over STEM, Study Finds.
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