The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued new guidelines on the placement of Grade 9 learners in senior schools. The move is part of preparations for the rollout of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) senior school pathways in January 2026.
Submission Deadline
Schools have been directed to submit the details of their Grade 9 learners by October 17, 2025. According to KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere, the placement process will ensure that learners are guided into pathways that match their talents, abilities, and career aspirations.
Pathways Under CBC
The Ministry of Education has outlined three pathways for senior school learners:
- Social Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Arts and Sports Science
The Arts and Sports Science pathway will focus on nurturing learners with outstanding potential in Visual Arts, Sports, Theatre, Music, and Dance.
Nomination Process
To guide schools, the Ministry has developed a Nomination Tool. Teachers are required to use this tool to identify and nominate learners with exceptional abilities.
Schools must log in to the online nomination portal using their school code as both the username and password. Once logged in, institutions can review the instructions, update credentials, and enter the details of nominated learners.
Required Documents
All nominations must be supported with evidence. Schools should upload documents such as:
- Records of performances and exhibitions
- Certificates and awards
- Samples showing originality of work
KNEC emphasized that nominations should reflect genuine ability and not general participation.
Preparing for the Rollout
This directive marks a key step in the CBC transition. By identifying learners’ talents early, schools will help them pursue education that aligns with their strengths and future careers.
