The Ministry of Education is making significant changes as it refines the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for the transition to Grade 10. One of the most notable changes is the removal of Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
Under the old 8-4-4 system, Mathematics was a mandatory subject for all secondary school students, along with English, Kiswahili, and at least two sciences.
However, the new curriculum will allow students to choose whether to study Mathematics based on their selected education path.
All senior school students must take four core subjects: English, Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language, Community Service Learning, and Physical Education. Beyond these, students will select three optional subjects from those available in their chosen paths.
The government has categorized these pathways into three broad areas: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The Arts and Sports Science pathway includes subjects like Fine Arts, Music and Dance, Theatre and Film, Physical Education, and Sports and Recreation.
The Social Sciences track covers subjects such as Business Studies, History and Citizenship, Geography, Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE), Hindu Religious Education (HRE), Community Service Learning (CSL), and various Language and Literature courses.
The STEM pathway is divided into Pure Sciences, which includes Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and General Science, and Applied Sciences, which covers subjects such as Agriculture, Computer Science, Home Science, and Technical Studies.
The government has directed that 60% of the current Grade Nine students must take the STEM pathway once they transition to senior secondary school in January 2026.
This means that although Mathematics is no longer compulsory, a significant number of students will still study it as part of their chosen subjects.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has stated that students will begin selecting their subjects in the second term. This approach is designed to give students and their parents time to consider available options and make informed decisions.
Kipsang explained that learners would go home to discuss their interests with their parents before making final subject selections upon returning to school.
This step is meant to ensure that students choose subjects that align with their strengths and career aspirations.
Another major change proposed by the Ministry is a cap on the number of students from a single junior secondary school who can proceed to the same senior school.
The proposal limits this number to five per school. The aim is to promote diversity in senior school placement and ensure students interact with peers from different backgrounds.
However, some education stakeholders argue that this plan is too ambitious, especially for day schools where students rely on proximity for convenience.
While these changes aim to modernize the education system and provide students with more flexibility, they have sparked debate.
Some education experts worry that removing Mathematics as a required subject might disadvantage students in the long run, especially those who later decide to pursue STEM-related courses in higher education.
Others believe the changes will help students focus on their strengths instead of struggling with subjects they do not enjoy.
The transition to Grade 10 under the CBC marks a shift in Kenya’s education system. The Ministry of Education hopes that by allowing students to specialize earlier, they will be better prepared for future careers.
However, the success of this approach will depend on how well students, parents, and teachers adapt to the new system.
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