// CBC Senior School · Grades 10–12 · KICD-Aligned

Kenya's CBC Senior
School Pathways

After Junior Secondary School (Grade 9), every Kenyan learner selects one of three pathways aligned to their aptitude and interests. This guide covers the official KICD-approved subjects, core competencies, career trajectories, and readiness criteria for each pathway.

🎯 Not sure which one fits? Take the 3-question pathway quiz →
🔬 STEM 🎨 Arts & Sports Science

✅ How are learners placed into pathways?

Pathway placement is a structured, multi-input process guided by KICD and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). No learner is permanently locked out — flexible transitions are permitted within the first term of Grade 10.

01
KJSEA ResultsKenya Junior School Education Assessment (Grade 9) provides the primary academic placement indicator.
02
Aptitude ProfileTeacher evaluations, learner portfolios, and career aptitude assessments inform the recommendation.
03
Learner InterestsSelf-selection within KJSEA parameters — learners indicate preferences through school career guidance sessions.
04
Parent InputSchools consult parents/guardians, especially for learners at the boundary of two pathways.
Official source

KICD curriculum designs, 2024–2026 CBC implementation guidelines. TSC teacher deployment aligned to pathway staffing ratios.

// 01 · Senior School Pathways
STEM Pathway · Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Innovation, Discovery
& Digital Kenya

Designed for learners who thrive in logical reasoning, data analysis, experimentation, and problem-solving. Directly aligned with Kenya's Vision 2030 digital economy agenda and Africa's demand for STEM professionals. Mathematics and Computer Science are the flagship STEM subjects.

8+Core & elective subjects
15+Career pathways
60%Coursework weighting
40%External exam weighting
Subjects (KICD-approved)
Core Mathematics
Core Physics
Core Chemistry
Core Biology
Core Computer Science
Core Agriculture
Elective Electronics & Robotics
Elective Aviation Technology
Elective Marine Science
Elective Environmental Science
Core competencies developed
🔢 Mathematical modelling 💻 Coding & algorithm design 🧪 Scientific experimentation 📊 Data interpretation ⚙️ Engineering design process 🌍 Environmental literacy 🔬 Laboratory safety & protocols 🤖 Digital & AI literacy 🧩 Critical thinking
Career trajectories
  • Medicine & Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing, Biomedical Engineering
  • Civil, Mechanical, Electrical & Structural Engineering
  • Data Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
  • Software Development, Cybersecurity & Systems Architecture
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering
  • Biotechnology, Genetics & Agricultural Science
  • Architecture, Quantity Surveying & Urban Planning
  • Environmental Management & Climate Science
  • Pure & Applied Mathematics Research

📌 Readiness checklist

  • ✓ Strong Grade 6–9 Mathematics performance
  • ✓ Integrated Science Grade 7–9 engagement
  • ✓ Digital literacy skills (basic coding/ICT)
  • ✓ Participation in science fairs or projects
  • ✓ Ability to write lab reports & analyse data
  • ✓ Interest in problem-solving & invention

🏫 TVET alternative

Learners who qualify through KJSEA may also enter STEM-aligned TVET programmes in Electrical Installation, ICT Technician, Agricultural Mechanisation, or Automotive Engineering.

📖 Key learning approaches

Project-Based Learning (PBL), science laboratory sessions, STEM club activities, digital portfolios, Community Service Learning (CSL) in science, and integration of Bloom's higher-order thinking in all subjects.

🎓 University entry requirements

Most Kenyan universities require a minimum grade in Mathematics and one science subject. Medical programmes additionally require Chemistry and Biology. Engineering typically requires Physics and Mathematics at credit level.

Connect with STEM learners and teachers. Discuss projects, share resources, ask questions, and collaborate across Kenyan schools in the STEM pathway forums.

👨‍🎓 Student Forum 👩‍🏫 Teacher Forum
Subjects (KICD-approved)
Core History & Citizenship
Core Geography
Core Business Studies
Core Religious Studies (CRE/IRE/HRE)
Elective Economics
Elective Law & Ethics
Elective Psychology & Sociology
Elective Journalism & Media
Core competencies developed
Career trajectories
  • Law — Advocate, State Counsel, Magistrate, Judicial Officer
  • Economics, Banking & Financial Services
  • Human Resource Management & Organisational Development
  • Public Administration & Government Service
  • International Relations & Diplomacy
  • Counselling, Psychology & Social Work
  • Journalism, Media & Communications
  • Teaching (Social Studies, Business, History)
  • NGO Leadership, Community Development & Policy

📌 Readiness checklist

  • ✓ Strong reading comprehension & essay writing
  • ✓ Interest in history, current affairs & society
  • ✓ Participation in debates, Model UN, or CSL
  • ✓ Good Kiswahili and English communication
  • ✓ Ability to research and reference sources
  • ✓ Empathy, leadership, and teamwork skills

🏫 TVET alternative

Learners may enter TVET pathways in Business Administration, Accounting, Records Management, or Community Development — all directly linked to Social Sciences competencies.

📖 Key learning approaches

Community Service Learning (CSL), field trips, case studies, structured debates, Model UN participation, entrepreneurship projects, and oral history research form the backbone of this pathway's pedagogy.

🎓 University entry requirements

Law programmes require strong History and English performance. Business degrees require Business Studies and Economics. Education programmes require strong language arts. Most social science degrees are accessible through a range of humanities subjects.

Join the Social Sciences community. Discuss civic issues, share essay tips, collaborate on CSL projects, and explore career pathways with learners and teachers across Kenya.

👨‍🎓 Student Forum 👩‍🏫 Teacher Forum
Arts & Sports Science Pathway · Creativity & Physical Excellence

Kenya's Creative
& Athletic Talent

Designed to nurture learners with talent in creative arts, performing arts, and sports disciplines. This pathway celebrates Kenya's rich cultural heritage while preparing professionals for entertainment, athletics, coaching, design, and cultural industries — earning formal academic recognition for what was once informal talent.

6+Core & elective subjects
10+Career pathways
60%Coursework weighting
40%External exam weighting
Subjects (KICD-approved)
Core Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Theatre)
Core Visual Arts & Design
Core Physical Education & Sports Science
Core Sports Nutrition & Psychology
Elective Fashion & Textile Design
Elective Film & Animation
Elective Music Production & Technology
Elective Sports Coaching & Officiating
Core competencies developed
🎭 Creative expression 🤸 Sports coaching & officiating 🎵 Musical performance & composition 🎬 Digital art & multimedia 💪 Endurance & fitness training 🎨 Visual design & aesthetics 📅 Event management 🩺 Injury prevention & sports medicine 🌍 Cultural heritage & identity
Career trajectories
  • Professional Athlete — Track & Field, Football, Rugby, Basketball
  • Sports Coach, Scout & Talent Development Officer
  • Music Producer, Recording Artist & Performing Artist
  • Choreographer, Dance Instructor & Theatre Director
  • Graphic Designer, Art Director & Brand Identity Specialist
  • Film Director, Animator & Video Producer
  • Physical Education Teacher & Sports Science Lecturer
  • Fashion Designer & Textile Entrepreneur
  • Sports Journalist & Media Analyst

📌 Readiness checklist

  • ✓ Demonstrated talent in arts, music, or sports
  • ✓ Practical portfolio or audition/trials performance
  • ✓ Participation in school productions, teams, or clubs
  • ✓ Discipline, consistency, and regular practice
  • ✓ Understanding of sports nutrition and fitness basics
  • ✓ Creativity, originality, and self-expression ability

🏫 TVET alternative

Learners may join TVET programmes in Fashion Design, Music Technology, Film & TV Production, Sports Management, or Visual Communication — providing technical skills with direct employment pathways.

📖 Key learning approaches

Studio practice, portfolio assessment, live performance, sports trials, community arts projects, cultural festivals, and digital content creation all form part of the learning experience in this pathway.

🎓 University entry requirements

Fine Arts and Performing Arts programmes require strong portfolio submissions. Sports Science requires Physical Education grades and fitness assessments. Film and Design programmes require creative portfolio plus academic minimums.

Join the Arts & Sports Science community. Share performances, sports highlights, creative work, and connect with teachers and fellow artists and athletes across Kenya.

👨‍🎓 Student Forum 👩‍🏫 Teacher Forum
// 02 · Pathways at a glance

Side-by-Side Pathway Comparison

A quick reference to help learners, parents, and counsellors compare the three CBC senior school pathways. Still torn? The 3-question pathway quiz takes less time than this table.

Dimension 🔬 STEM ⚖️ Social Sciences 🎨 Arts & Sports Science
Primary focus Science, technology & mathematics Creative arts & physical performance
Core subjects Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, CS History, Geography, Business, RE Performing Arts, Visual Arts, PE & Sports Science
Key skill Analytical & quantitative reasoning Creativity & physical expression
Assessment style Lab reports, projects, written exams Essays, research projects, debates Portfolios, performances, practical exams
TVET alternative ICT, Engineering, Agricultural Mech. Business Admin, Accounting, Records Fashion Design, Film, Sports Management
Top university degrees Engineering, Medicine, CS, Data Science Law, Economics, Education, Journalism Fine Arts, Sports Science, Film, Design
Kenya Vision 2030 link Digital economy & industrialisation Cultural industries & sports economy