First CBC Cohort to Transition to Senior School in 2026

The first Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) cohort, in Grade 9 now, will move to senior secondary school in January 2026.

These learners will sit for their final junior secondary assessment in November 2025, known as the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).

Placement Criteria for Senior School

Assessment Breakdown

• KJSEA: 60% of the final score.
• School-Based Assessment (SBA): 40% from projects, practicals and written tests done in Grade 7 and 8.
• SBA Structure:
  • Grade 7 SBA: 20%
  • Grade 8 SBA: 20%
  • Total SBA: 40%

Career Pathways in Senior School
Learners will be placed in one of three career pathways based on their KJSEA performance, interests and strengths:

1. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
   • Tracks: Pure Science, Applied Science, Technology & Engineering, Career Technology Studies (CTS)
2. Arts and Sports Science
   • Tracks: Performing Arts, Sports, Visual Arts
3. Social Sciences
   • Tracks: Humanities, Business Studies, Language & Literature

School Placement Considerations

• Availability of slots in schools with adequate infrastructure and staffing.
• Schools may specialize in certain pathways based on capacity.
• National schools may offer all three pathways, while county schools may have limited options.
• Proximity to home will be prioritized, students will attend schools near their residence.
• Regional balance and geographical location will influence placement.
• Single-gender schools will be phased out, students will be placed in any institution regardless of gender.

Changes from 8-4-4 to CBC Senior School Model

• Junior School (Grade 7-9) was hosted in primary schools, but Senior School (Grade 10-12) will be independent.
• Traditional school categorization (National, Extra County, County, Sub-County) will be eliminated. Instead, schools will admit learners based on their career pathway preferences and scores.
• KNEC Questionnaires will be used to assess learners’ interests, strengths and personality.
• CS Education Julius Migos will release transition guidelines in March 2025.

This is big for Kenya’s education system, learners will now pursue careers they are talented in and future focused.