Under Competency Based Education (CBE, formerly CBC), learners finish junior school (Grades 7 to 9) and move to senior school (Grades 10 to 12). In senior school, every learner follows one of three pathways. Choosing one happens in Grade 9, so it helps to start thinking about it in Grade 7 and 8.
The three pathways
| Pathway | For learners who… | Example careers |
|---|---|---|
| STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) | enjoy maths, science, technology, building and solving problems | doctor, engineer, software developer, pilot, agronomist, architect |
| Social Sciences | enjoy languages, people, society, history, faith and business | lawyer, teacher, journalist, accountant, counsellor, diplomat |
| Arts and Sports Science | have talent and passion in music, drama, art, film, design or sport | musician, film maker, designer, athlete, coach, physiotherapist |
The government's plan is for most senior school places to be in STEM, with the rest in Social Sciences and in Arts and Sports Science.
Tracks within each pathway
Each pathway is divided into tracks, each with its own group of subjects. Examples:
| Pathway | Tracks | Example subjects |
|---|---|---|
| STEM | Pure Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Advanced Mathematics |
| STEM | Applied Sciences | Agriculture, Computer Science, Home Science |
| STEM | Technical and Engineering | Building and Construction, Electricity, Power Mechanics, Aviation, Wood and Metal Technology |
| Social Sciences | Languages and Literature | Literature in English, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, French, German, Arabic, Mandarin, Kenyan Sign Language |
| Social Sciences | Humanities and Business Studies | History and Citizenship, Geography, Business Studies, CRE, IRE, HRE |
| Arts and Sports Science | Arts | Music and Dance, Theatre and Film, Fine Arts |
| Arts and Sports Science | Sports Science | Sports and Recreation |
All learners also take core subjects (such as English, Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language, Physical Education and Community Service Learning), whatever their pathway. They then choose subjects from their pathway.
Note: The exact subjects, combinations and rules are set by the Ministry of Education and KICD, and schools offer different combinations. Check the current official guidelines and each school's offer before choosing.
How to choose your pathway
- Look at your strengths. Which learning areas do you do best in? Use your Grade 7–9 reports and KJSEA results.
- Think about what you enjoy. You'll study these subjects for three years, so enjoying them matters.
- Explore careers. Find out what the careers you like need, and talk to people who do them.
- Check the schools. Find out which senior schools offer your pathway and the subject combination you want, and whether they're day or boarding.
- Talk it over with your parents or guardians, class teacher and career guidance teacher before you decide.
Tip: Try our free CBE pathway finder. It combines your learning areas, interests and talents and suggests the pathway and track that may suit you. The career interest test helps you explore careers.
Junior school learning areas and the pathways
| If you do well in and enjoy… | You may suit… |
|---|---|
| Mathematics, Integrated Science, Pre-Technical Studies, Agriculture | STEM |
| English, Kiswahili, Social Studies, Religious Education | Social Sciences |
| Creative Arts and Sports | Arts and Sports Science |
Many learners are good at subjects across pathways. That's fine: choose based on your strongest interests and the careers you'd like, not only one subject.
Questions parents often ask
- Is STEM "better"? No. Each pathway leads to good careers. The best pathway is the one that fits your child's strengths and interests.
- Can my child do sciences and art? The pathways have core subjects in common, and some combinations mix areas. Check what the chosen schools offer.
- Does personality matter? Personality and interests help, but results and strengths matter too. Use tests like the temperament and Big Five tests to start a conversation, not to decide.
See also: CBE (CBC) explained for parents.