The Ministry of Education has announced that Grade 9 learners will begin selecting their preferred senior schools, pathways and subject combinations on August 24 ahead of their transition to Grade 10.
According to a circular obtained by this publication, the selection exercise will run for about three weeks and conclude on September 11.
Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa directed Regional, County and Sub-county Directors of Education to oversee the implementation of the exercise.
Selection And Placement Process
“The Ministry of Education is rolling out the process of selection and placement of Grade 9 learners for the year 2026. This process ensures that all grade 9 learners select Pathways, Subject Combinations and Schools and are effectively placed in senior schools in 2027. To ensure a smooth process, the Ministry will implement this important exercise following strict timelines as indicated,” the circular stated.
The selection exercise marks a key stage in the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) as the second cohort of Grade 9 learners prepares for the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) ahead of joining senior school in 2027.
Before learners begin making their selections, the ministry will conduct a series of virtual sensitisation sessions for education officials and school heads between August 3 and August 11.
The rollout will begin on August 3 with a virtual briefing for Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (SCQASOs) and Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs).
Between August 4 and August 6, SCQASOs will declare Grade 10 capacities in the ministry’s system.
Senior school principals will also undergo virtual sensitisation before updating pathways and subject combinations in the system between August 6 and August 8.
Additionally, Regional and County Directors and Quality Assurance and Standards Officers will participate in a separate virtual sensitisation on August 6.
Junior school heads will then attend virtual meetings from August 7 to August 11 as preparations continue for the nationwide exercise.
The ministry instructed education officers to ensure all affected officials and heads of institutions attend the scheduled sessions.