NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has officially abolished the long-standing classification of secondary schools into national, extra-county, county, and sub-county categories in a sweeping education reform that ushers in senior school under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system starting January 2026.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Monday announced that the new structure will group senior schools into four clusters based on infrastructure capacity, subject offerings, and career pathways, replacing the old system that largely determined student placement based on KCPE scores and school prestige.
“The Grade Nine candidates are using the new system to make their senior school choices based on career pathways, gender, school type, and location, among other factors,” Ogamba said during the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association conference in Mombasa.
New Clusters to Guide Career Pathway Placement
Under the new model, all former national schools fall under Cluster 1, while extra-county, county, and sub-county schools are reclassified under Clusters 2, 3, and 4 respectively.
Each cluster outlines the subject combinations and career pathways a school can offer.
The approved career pathways include: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science
Cluster 1 schools will offer all three pathways due to their superior facilities and staffing.
Schools in Clusters 2–4 will offer at least two pathways, with STEM mandatory in all institutions. However, schools with sufficient infrastructure may apply to offer the full range.
Kangaru School in Embu County, for example, will offer all three career pathways, with 14 subject combinations under STEM, nine under Social Sciences, and 10 in Arts and Sports Science.
Transparent Selection for Grade Nine Learners
The Ministry of Education said over 1.2 million Grade Nine learners are currently selecting their senior school and career pathway options through a digitized platform https://selection.education.go.ke.
According to the Basic Education Curriculum Framework, the ministry projects that 60% of learners will be placed in STEM, 25% in Social Sciences, and 15% in Arts and Sports Science.
Ogamba confirmed that preparations for the Grade Nine national assessment are on schedule, with results expected in time to guide accurate placement.
No More Day Wings in National Boarding Schools
In a policy reversal, the CS announced the cancellation of a directive that required national boarding schools to introduce day wings, following concerns raised by school heads over potential discipline issues.
Ogamba said the new structure, where senior schools will only host Grades 10 to 12, will ease congestion by freeing up classrooms and creating more space.
Learning Materials and Teacher Training On Track
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has been tasked with ensuring all required Grade 10 learning materials are distributed before the January transition, while the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has received adequate funding to retrain teachers for the senior school phase.
Ogamba also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) programme. Sh11.6 billion has been disbursed for FDSE in the second term, part of a broader Sh22 billion capitation fund.
School Heads Urged to Maintain Integrity
The CS challenged headteachers to uphold transparency in financial management and warned against imposing unauthorised levies.
“You are entrusted not only with the care of children but also with public resources. Ensure compliance with all circulars, including the prohibition of unauthorised levies unless approved by the ministry,” he said.
Focus on Student Safety and Discipline
Addressing rising concerns over indiscipline, drug abuse, and unrest, Ogamba said the ministry is developing a national strategy to enhance learner well-being and school safety.
“Education is not just about access; it’s about quality. I urge every headteacher to institutionalise school-based assessments, data-driven improvement plans, and mentorship programmes for both learners and teachers,” he added.
