The Ministry of Education has revealed that it will develop a new funding model for Grade 10 students joining Senior Secondary Schools (SSS).
According to the “Final County Dialogue Report 2025”, the new funding model will be developed from January when the first Competency-Based Curriculum cohort transitions from Junior Secondary School (JSS) to Grade 10.
Under the proposal, students in SSS will be funded depending on what they study meaning that schools offering technical and science subjects may get higher funding.
“The government is developing a Senior School Funding Model for Grade 10 to rationalize funding per student based on pathway requirements,” the report reads.
Grade 10 students to change study areas- Ministry of Education report
At the same time, the report reveals that students at senior secondary schools will be allowed to change their study areas within two months of admission.
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The ministry will also limit students from junior school joining the same senior boarding school to five. This rule will however not apply to counties with few senior schools, especially in marginalized areas.
“A structured assessment framework will be developed to determine learner readiness for transitioning between age-based and
stage-based pathways. Learners can change their selected pathway within two months of admission, provided space is available,” the report adds.
According to the report, the Ministry of Education and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) should release official guidelines on how the junior school grading system influences placement.
The Ministry further said that it is conducting audits and inspections to ensure compliance with fee regulations, with schools charged unauthorized levies without receipts facing disciplinary action.
Schools violating the Basic Education Act, 2013, will face penalties and parents can seek redress from the Ministry of Education.
The government is also considering a tiered capitation structure for technical and STEM subjects to offset higher costs.
Public-private partnerships will be explored to support infrastructure development in technical tracks.
The Ministry of Education and the National Treasury are working to ensure timely disbursements of capitation funds.
Schools will be encouraged to seek alternative funding sources through partnerships and grants.
The government is also lobbying for increased budgetary allocation for CBC implementation, pursuing partnerships with development agencies and the private sector.
“Strict financial audits and monitoring will be conducted to ensure accountability,” the report adds.
Career guidance program to be introduced in Grade 7
The ministry has also announced plans to introduce a structured career guidance program in Grade 7 to help learners make more informed decisions about what they wish to study in SSS.
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Private schools will be included in the selection portal from which students will choose which institution they wish to join.
This will mirror the university selection criteria that allows students to either choose a private or public institution.
The new revelations came as the Education Ministry made an about-turn, saying that mathematics will now be mandatory at senior schools.
Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Thursday said the subject would be divided into pure Mathematics for learners who choose to study sciences and “simplified” maths for students who wish to pursue other pathways.
Mathematics will be structured to align with different pathways to ensure learners meet minimum requirements for higher education.
In addition, adult learners will have access to alternative education pathways, including TVET and specialized programs, leading to certification and university admission.
Learners can apply for hybrid schools when no day schools exist locally, change schools after admission, and transition to TVET institutions without restarting the entire education cycle.
Private schools meeting required standards will further be included in the selection portal.
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