Following the completion of the pioneer KJSEA, the Ministry of Education has officially released the full list of public senior secondary schools across the country.
The schools are now categorized under the Competency‑Based Curriculum (CBC) framework into four clusters: C1, C2, C3, and C4, as indicated below
1. Cluster One (C1) -Equivalent: National Schools
These are the country’s top‑tier institutions, drawing learners from across Kenya and offering strong facilities, diverse subject combinations, and national representation.
C1 – PUBLIC SENIOR SCHOOLS IN KENYA_092956
2. Cluster Two (C2) – Equivalent: Extra‑County Schools
These schools admit students from multiple counties, providing competitive academic environments and wider opportunities beyond local catchments.
C2 – PUBLIC SENIOR SCHOOLS IN KENYA_093006
3. Cluster Three (C3) – Equivalent: County Schools
These institutions serve learners primarily within their counties, balancing accessibility with performance.
C3 – PUBLIC SENIOR SCHOOLS IN KENYA_093027
4. Cluster Four (C4) -Equivalent: Sub‑County Schools
These schools cater to local communities at the sub‑county level, often mixed day or boarding schools, and form the largest category nationwide.
C4 – PUBLIC SENIOR SCHOOLS IN KENYA_093108
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A Ministry of Education analysis has revealed regional disparities in the distribution of senior schools, raising concerns about equitable access under CBC. While regions such as Rift Valley and Central boast strong representation in higher‑tier schools, arid and northern counties remain underserved.
Kenya currently hosts 204 national schools (C1), 692 extra‑county schools (C2), 1,373 county schools (C3), and 7,234 sub‑county schools (C4). Rift Valley leads with 56 national schools, while the Northern region lags with only six. Nairobi, constrained by space, has 10 national schools but relies heavily on private institutions to absorb demand.
By Masaki Enock
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