Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) across the country will officially join Senior Schools in participating in the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair (KSEF) starting in 2026, following a directive issued by the Ministry of Education.
The directive is contained in a circular dated December 16, 2025, written by Nelson M. Sifuna on behalf of the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education.
The circular was addressed to Regional Directors of Education and County Directors of Education, instructing them to facilitate the rollout of the expanded KSEF programme in their respective jurisdictions.
“This decision confirms that KSEF will now cater for both Junior and Senior Schools as part of the national co-curricular calendar,” an education official said. “It is a deliberate move to align science activities with the Competency-Based Curriculum.”
According to the circular, Junior School KSEF will operate as a subset of Senior School KSEF for the first two years (2026 and 2027), with fairs held jointly. Education authorities say this transition period is meant to allow schools, teachers and administrators to align structures and resources.
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To support implementation, Directors of Education at all levels have been directed to harmonise budgets and funding for both Junior and Senior Schools.
Existing KSEF committees will also be expanded to include Junior School representatives, including a KEPSHA representative and a science teacher appointed to coordinate Junior School KSEF.
“This ensures Junior Schools are fully represented in planning and decision-making,” said a county education director. “It strengthens ownership of the programme.”
Initially, JSS will compete in six categories: Mathematical, Chemical and Physical Sciences; Biological and Ecological Sciences; Agriculture; Technology and Engineering; Energy and Transportation; and Social and Behavioural Sciences.
The circular further directs that KSEF planning and training workshops at sub-county and county levels must now include Junior School teachers. Judging and presentation guidelines will be communicated through existing KSEF structures, which will mentor Junior Schools at the grassroots level.
After 2027, JSS KSEF will become a fully fledged stand-alone activity with its own elected committees and expanded categories.
By Joseph Mambili
