The Ministry of Education has outlined the new rules guiding subject selection for learners joining the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathway under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, in a memo to regional, county, and sub-county education directors, said the new framework is designed for the pioneer CBC cohort set to join senior school in January 2026.
Under the new structure, each learner will take seven examinable subjects, four of which are compulsory: English, Kiswahili (or Kenyan Sign Language for learners with hearing impairments), Mathematics offered as either Core or Essential depending on the academic pathway, and Community Service Learning (CSL).
“All learners will be required to take English, Kiswahili, and CSL,” the circular states.
“Learners pursuing the STEM pathway shall take Core Mathematics while those who have chosen any of the other two pathways will take Essential Mathematics,” Bitok said.
CBE STEM Model
He added that non-STEM learners who wish to take Core Mathematics may be allowed to do so, provided their junior School assessment results support the decision.
The remaining three subjects will be electives, with the Ministry recommending that at least two come from the learner’s chosen academic pathway. The pathways available are Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Arts and Sports Science, and Social Sciences.
Learners will still have the option to mix electives from different pathways if it aligns with their career goals.
“A learner’s career ambitions may sometimes require them to select one subject from each pathway, and in such cases, this should be allowed,” the circular notes.
In addition to academic subjects, all learners will take Physical Education and ICT skills to enhance their overall development, although these will not be examinable.
Schools will also be required to provide a Pastoral or Religious Programme of Instruction (P/RPI) to nurture learners’ spiritual, moral, and character growth.
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Below is a detailed summary.
1. Who takes Core Mathematics
- Learners pursuing the STEM pathway must take Core Mathematics.
- Grade 10 learners not pursuing STEM may still take Core Mathematics if their junior School assessment results allow.
2. Subject Selection Structure
- Each learner must take seven subjects in total.
- Four are compulsory: English, Kiswahili, Mathematics (Core or Essential, depending on the pathway), and Community Service Learning (CSL).
- Learners pursuing STEM will take Core Mathematics as part of these compulsory subjects.
3. Choice of Additional Subjects
- In addition to the four compulsory subjects, learners must choose three more subjects.
- At least two of these should come from the learner’s chosen pathway (STEM, Arts & Sports Science, or Social Sciences).
- Learners can take: All three from their chosen pathway, OR Two from their chosen pathway and one from another pathway.
- If a career goal requires one subject from each pathway, the learner should be allowed to take them.
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5. Guidance and Support
- Subject choices must align with the learner’s career goals, aptitude, interests, and personality.
- Senior school leadership will guide learners in making these choices.
6. Subjects Available in STEM
- Examples include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science, Computer Studies, Agriculture, Aviation, Building Construction, Electricity, Metalwork, Power Mechanics, Woodwork, Marine and Fisheries Technology.
7. Religious Freedom Rule
- No school should force learners to participate in religious rites or activities against their beliefs.
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