The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released new guidelines on how Grade 9 learners will transition to Senior School starting January 2026. The move marks a key step in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which focuses on nurturing talents and skills beyond academics.
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In a circular issued on September 15, KNEC outlined the nomination process for placing learners into three Senior School pathways: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The process, done in partnership with the Ministry of Education, seeks to ensure that students are placed based on their abilities, interests, and potential.
For the Arts and Sports Science pathway, schools are required to nominate learners with exceptional talent in areas such as Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Sports. According to KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere, the aim is to recognize abilities that cannot be measured through traditional exams. Schools must use a Ministry-designed nomination tool and upload supporting evidence, including awards, performance records, or original works.
The submissions will be done through the official portal (https://nomination.knec.ac.ke) by October 17, 2025. Schools will log in with their assigned codes and are urged to change passwords for security. Heads of institutions have been reminded to handle the process with utmost priority since it plays a vital role in learner placement.
This approach reflects CBC’s broader mission of promoting holistic education by valuing both academic and non-academic strengths. By aligning learners with pathways that match their talents, the system hopes to prepare them for careers that maximize their potential.
If implemented effectively, the process could help Kenya produce well-rounded graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also skilled in their areas of passion.
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