NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has directed schools to nominate Grade 9 learners with outstanding talents in arts and sports as part of preparations for the rollout of senior school pathways under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in January 2026.
Schools have until October 17, 2025 to submit details of eligible learners, who will be considered for placement in the Arts and Sports Science pathway.
KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere said the initiative is designed to ensure that learners with exceptional abilities in visual arts, theatre, music, dance, and sports are guided into environments where their skills can flourish.
“This process aims to guide learners with exceptional abilities … into pathways where they can excel and develop their skills,” Njengere said.
To support the exercise, the Ministry of Education has developed a Nomination Tool to help teachers conduct the process fairly and objectively.
Schools are required to log in to the KNEC system using their school codes, update passwords, and upload learner details together with supporting documents such as records of performances, exhibitions, awards, and original works.
KNEC stressed that selections should reflect learners’ demonstrable abilities and not general interest or participation.
The ministry has created three senior school pathways — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Arts and Sports Science; and Social Sciences — designed to align education with learners’ potential and career aspirations.
The call for nominations marks a critical step in transitioning the CBC into senior schools, a stage expected to replace the traditional 8-4-4 secondary system.
