The Ministry of Education (MoE) has launched an online system to guide the transition of Grade 9 learners to Grade 10 in 2026 as part of the ongoing rollout of the Competency-Based Education (CBE). The exercise will see learners select their preferred pathways, subject combinations, and senior schools through an automated platform.
In a circular dated June 3, 2025, addressed to all Regional, County, and Sub-County Directors of Education, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Amb. (Prof) Julius K. Bitok, CBS, announced the official commencement of the selection process.
“The Ministry of Education has rolled out preparations for the transition of Grade 9 learners to Grade 10 in 2026, involving the selection of pathways, subject combinations, and senior schools via an automated system accessible at selection.education.go.ke,” Prof. Bitok stated.
Senior schools are required to declare their Grade 10 capacity and upload the subject combinations they will offer in 2026. Each school must submit at least two pathway options, with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) being a compulsory option. Subject combinations must have a minimum enrollment of 15 learners. Sub-County Directors of Education will review them before approval.
READ ALSO:
Nancy Macharia’s legacy at TSC: 10 years of reforms and rifts in teaching profession
“Public senior schools must upload the subject combinations they will offer in 2026 for Grade 9 learners to select,” the PS added.
Junior school heads will also play a central role in guiding learners through the process. Using school credentials, they are expected to update learner profiles and assist each learner in selecting a pathway and three subject combinations. For each subject combination, learners will choose four schools, one from each of the ministry’s designated clusters.
All regular learners are required to choose a total of 12 schools. However, those with special needs will typically select schools that cater to their specific disabilities, such as Special Needs Education (SNE) or integrated schools, and may opt for fewer options.
The PS emphasised the importance of field officer support throughout the process, which begins on June 9, 2025, and will run until June 30, 2025.
“The selection process will run from June 9, 2025, to June 30, 2025. Field officers are notified to support this process,” he said.
The MoE has also released the official list of subject combinations, and the clustered senior schools for 2025 have been released as part of the implementation guide.
The ministry hopes that this structured approach will ensure a seamless transition for the pioneer CBC cohort entering senior school, aligning their academic and career aspirations with the national education goals.
By Joseph Mambili
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
