PS Kipsang Outlines Career-Based Placement for Senior School Students.
The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) introduces a unique system of placement for Junior Secondary School (JSS) learners advancing to Senior Secondary School (SSS), focusing on individual strengths, career interests, and academic abilities.
Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang announced that students will be placed based on one of three career-oriented pathways, each offering a structured curriculum aligned with higher education and career requirements. The three available pathways are:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Performing Arts, Music, and Athletics
Structured Selection and Placement Process
According to Kipsang, this pathway-based approach ensures that learners receive a tailored education experience. Before selecting schools, students will participate in a structured guidance process to choose the career path that aligns best with their skills and aspirations.
Following this selection, students can then make informed choices about their senior secondary schools based on the availability of resources and programs in their chosen pathways.
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Kipsang emphasized that the Ministry of Education will provide additional guidelines to clarify the placement criteria and logistical details of the SSS structure early next year, with the first Grade 10 cohort expected to begin in January 2026.
Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA): Placement Criteria
In Grade 9, students will undertake the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), which will assess their academic readiness for SSS. PS Kipsang explained that the KJSEA scores will be calculated based on three components:
- 30% from the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) at the end of Grade 6
- 20% from school-based assessments in Grades 7 and 8
- 60% from Grade 9 summative assessments
This assessment framework allows a comprehensive review of each student’s performance over the years, aiding in the selection of a suitable career pathway.
Kipsang noted that students excelling in Mathematics and Science would be directed to the STEM pathway, while others will be placed in Social Sciences or Arts and Sports, depending on their scores.
The Ministry of Education, through the CBC framework, is dedicated to establishing infrastructure and resources to support practical learning across pathways.
Kipsang announced plans for the government to construct laboratories in all schools to enable hands-on learning, especially for STEM students.
The Grade 10 curriculum design is currently in development, with educational materials expected to align closely with the CBC framework.
Comparison of CBC and 8-4-4 Education Systems
The CBC structure introduces significant shifts from the former 8-4-4 curriculum, which encompassed eight years of primary education, four years of secondary, and four years of university. CBC modifies this structure as follows:
| Curriculum Level | CBC Duration | 8-4-4 Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Education | 6 years | 8 years |
| Junior Secondary | 3 years | – |
| Senior Secondary | 3 years | 4 years |
| University Education | 4 years | 4 years |
In CBC, students take the KPSEA in Grade 6 to transition to junior secondary. KJSEA in Grade 9 then determines placement into SSS, and finally, students will take a national examination at Grade 12 to qualify for university.
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The CBC framework underlines the government’s commitment to equipping students for the demands of higher education and diverse career paths.
PS Kipsang reiterated that the Ministry’s initiatives, from pathway guidance to infrastructure development, signal a holistic approach to making CBC’s rollout successful and beneficial for future generations.
PS Kipsang Outlines Career-Based Placement for Senior School Students.
