By Michelle Ndaga
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued a directive requiring all primary and junior secondary schools to nominate Grade 9 learners with proven ability in the arts and sports for placement into the new Arts and Sports Science pathway in senior schools.
The move aligns with the phased implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which from January 2026 will offer learners three pathways: Arts & Sports Science, Social Sciences, and STEM.
According to a circular published by KNEC, the nomination process will rely on evidence of learners’ performance in areas such as Visual Arts; Music; Dance; Theatre; and Sports Science. Schools are expected to submit supporting documentation including records of performances, awards and exhibitions via KNEC’s online nomination platform.
The circular underscores that pathway selection must be based on aptitude and demonstrated talent, rather than simply learner preference.
The deadline for schools to submit nominations is October 17, 2025. Once nominations are submitted, selected learners will undergo additional assessment through the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) for creative arts and sports components, which will further inform final placements.
This process forms part of the national effort to manage placements of approximately 1.2 million Grade 9 learners through the automated senior school placement system.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the directive, citing it as a step forward in aligning education with learners’ skills and interests. However, officials caution on the need for vigilant oversight, transparency and authenticity of submitted evidence to ensure fairness.
The Ministry of Education already maintains a Grade-10 Pathway Selection portal to guide schools and parents on available pathways, subject combinations, and how to indicate preferred senior schools.
This directive reflects Kenya’s ongoing education reform under CBC, aimed at tailoring secondary school education to meet learner talents and national development goals.
