The Kenyan Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has introduced
a new structure for senior school education, aiming to equip learners with
practical skills, knowledge, and values.
Under the CBC system, senior school (Grades 10–12) offers
three distinct pathways to cater to students' diverse abilities and career
aspirations.
The CBC senior school pathways aim to offer students
flexibility, specialisation and career-focused learning.
However, the removal of Mathematics as a core subject has
sparked debate among professionals who argue that mathematical literacy is
essential for national development.
Senior School
Pathways under CBC
Starting January next year, when Grade 9 learners select the
senior schools they wish to join, the traditional categorization of national,
extra-county, county, and sub-county schools will no longer apply. Instead,
selection will be based on the career three pathways offered by each school under
CBC.
Arts and Sports Science Pathway: This pathway is ideal for
students with talents and interests in creative arts, music, sports, and
related fields.
Subjects Include Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, Dance), Visual
Arts (Painting, Drawing, Design), Sports Science, Media and Film Studies and Creative Writing
Possible Careers include Artists, Actors, Musicians, Media
Personnel (Journalists, Directors, Producers), Athletes, Coaches, and Sports
Managers, Writers, Poets, and Film Producers
Social Sciences Pathway: This pathway focuses on humanities,
business studies, and languages, preparing students for careers in law,
international relations, journalism, and education.
Subjects Include History, Geography, Business Studies, Religious
Education, Foreign and Indigenous Languages.
Possible Careers include Lawyers, Economists, Sociologists,
Anthropologists, and Historians, Teachers and Professors of Social Sciences, Diplomats
and Public Administrators
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Pathway: Designed for students interested in scientific and technical fields,
this pathway includes specializations in Pure Sciences, Technical and
Engineering Studies, ICT, and Health Sciences.
Subjects Include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and
Biology, Computer Science, Aviation Technology, Geospatial Technology.
Possible Careers include Engineers (Civil, Mechanical,
Software), Doctors, Pharmacists, Biotechnologists, IT Specialists, Data
Scientists, and Programmers, Researchers in Various Fields of Science
Pathway Selection and
Placement in Senior Schools
The government has yet to communicate which pathways
specific secondary schools will offer.
Senior schools will declare their available pathways through
county directors of education before the selection process begins.
According to draft guidelines, senior schools will be
categorized into triple pathway schools (offering all three pathways) and
double pathway schools (offering two of the three pathways).
Schools with adequate resources will provide a wider range
of learning areas.
Selection Guidelines
Enrolment per senior school is proposed to be capped at
3,000 learners.
At the end of Grade 9, students will undertake the Kenya
Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), with the first cohort sitting for
their exams in October and November this year.
Placement will be based on learners’ pathway choices,
subject combinations, performance, school preference (boarding or day), and
school capacity.
Triple pathway schools are expected to be highly
competitive, admitting top-performing students in the KJSEA.
The Ministry of Education will ensure equity through
regional quotas and consideration of whether learners attended public or
private junior schools.
How students choose
Pathways
Learners select their preferred pathway based on their
strengths, interests, and career goals.
Schools are expected to provide career counselling to guide
students in making informed choices.
Some institutions may specialize in particular pathways.
Significance of CBC Senior School Pathways.
Encourages specialization and skill-based learning.
Prepares students for higher education and the job market.
Aligns with Kenya Vision 2030 by emphasizing technical and
vocational skills.
Expert concerns over dropping Mathematics as a core Subject
The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has strongly
opposed the government’s decision to remove Mathematics as a compulsory subject
under CBC, citing potential negative impacts on Kenya’s workforce and economic
sustainability.
According to IEK, a strong foundation in Mathematics is
essential for developing the analytical skills necessary for engineering and
technical professions.
The organisation emphasized that Mathematics underpins
fields such as civil and electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, and
renewable energy.
“Mathematics is the language of engineering and technology,
underpinning design, optimization, problem-solving, and data analysis across
multiple fields,” the IEK stated.
Government’s position
on Mathematics
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has defended the
decision to make Mathematics optional at the senior secondary level,
acknowledging the ongoing debate around the issue.
He clarified that CBC
differs significantly from the 8-4-4 system, in which Mathematics was a compulsory
subject.
Ogamba explained that CBC resembles the education structure
before 8-4-4 when students in Form Three and Four selected subjects aligned
with their career aspirations.
He argued that those pursuing careers in arts
and humanities should not be required to take Mathematics if it does not align
with their career goals.
“In the past, when students transitioned to Form Three, they
chose subjects based on their career aspirations. For instance, those pursuing
Arts did not have to take Mathematics. CBC is adopting a similar approach,”
Ogamba stated.
