The Ministry of Education has officially launched the selection process for Grade 9 learners transitioning to senior school, requiring all public school principals to upload student pathway choices onto an automated portal starting Monday, June 9, 2025. The exercise is part of national preparations for the transition to Grade 10 in January 2026 under the Competency-Based Education (CBE).
In a circular dated June 3, 2025, addressed to all regional, county, and sub-county education directors, Principal Secretary for Basic Education Prof. Julius Bitok instructed institutions to begin preparations immediately. “The Ministry 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,” he stated.
The selection portal — selection.education.go.ke — will allow senior school principals to log in using their school’s UIC credentials, declare their Grade 10 capacity, and submit subject combinations for at least two pathways. Submission of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as one of the options is mandatory. A minimum of 15 learners is required per subject combination.
Once submitted, combinations will be reviewed and approved by Sub-County Directors of Education. If not approved, schools will be allowed to delete and replace the combinations as necessary.
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At the junior school level, heads of institutions must update learners’ profiles and guide them through the selection process. Each student is required to choose a preferred pathway, followed by three subject combinations, and select four senior schools per subject combination — one from each of the four designated school clusters.
“Regular learners must select 12 schools, while learners with special needs must select SNE/INTEGRATED schools aligned with their disabilities and can choose fewer than 12 schools,” the circular clarified.
The Ministry emphasised that the selection window will run from June 9 to June 30, 2025, and called on all education field officers to support institutions and learners during this crucial phase.
Prof. Bitok emphasised the crucial role of school leadership in ensuring a successful transition, noting, “The responsibility of principals and headteachers in this transition phase cannot be overstated.”
The initiative aims to align students’ strengths and interests with the appropriate senior school pathways, ensuring a smooth progression under the CBE framework.
By Joseph Mambili
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