The Ministry of Education has positioned career guidance and mentorship at the heart of education reform, ensuring that learners in Senior Schools transition smoothly to higher education, vocational training, or the job market.
The Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education, okayed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, Principal Secretary Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok and Director General Dr Elyas Abdi outline policy directions on curriculum, governance, infrastructure, and assessment.
They provide a roadmap for linking academic preparation with personal interests and national labour needs.
“Career guidance is an ongoing process that starts at Junior School and culminates at Senior School through structured mentorship and exposure programmes,” the document states.
Each Senior School will establish a Career Guidance Committee to coordinate mentorship sessions, career fairs, and industry linkages.
Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba said the reform aims to nurture purpose-driven graduates who “leave school with clarity, self-awareness, and a sense of responsibility toward their future.”
The guidelines direct that “every learner shall maintain a Career and Transition Portfolio capturing their competencies, interests, and achievements to inform placement decisions.” The portfolios will support equitable admission to universities, TVETs, and vocational institutions.
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PS Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok emphasised that career guidance “must help learners identify realistic goals that match their skills and passions.”
He noted that the Ministry will collaborate with the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) to streamline transitions.
The document states that “learners shall receive counselling on academic, emotional, and social readiness to handle life beyond school.” Schools will also partner with the private sector to offer job shadowing opportunities and mentorship.
Dr Elyas Abdi said the approach reflects the Ministry’s holistic education agenda, ensuring that “transition is not just academic, but emotional and moral preparation for adult life.”
The Ministry plans to integrate financial literacy and entrepreneurship into career guidance programs to strengthen learners’ readiness for work and self-employment.
By Joseph Mambili
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