As Grade 10 learners prepare to join senior schools in January 2026, following the pathways they selected, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has published a comprehensive list of subjects to be taught at the senior school level.
This cohort was the first to sit the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and is also the first group of Grade 10 learners under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.
Senior School, which comprises Grades 10, 11, and 12, is structured around three pathways:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Arts and Sports Science
- Social Sciences
According to KICD, the purpose of senior school is to provide learners with a pre-tertiary, pre-university, and pre-career experience, allowing them to select subjects based on demonstrated interest, aptitude, and potential at earlier levels.
List of Subjects and Weekly Lesson Hours
Senior School runs for three years and generally caters to learners aged 15 to 17 years.
At this level, learners will take seven learning areas, as recommended by the Presidential Working Party on Educational Reforms (PWPER, 2023). These include four core subjects, namely:
- English
- Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language (KSL)
- Mathematics (Core or Essential)
- Community Service Learning (CSL)
Learners pursuing the STEM pathway will take Core Mathematics, while those in non-STEM pathways will take Essential Mathematics, which focuses on utilitarian skills.
Also Read: List of Approved Chemistry, Biology, and Physics Textbooks for Grade 10 Learners in Senior Schools
In addition, learners will select three elective subjects based on their career interests, personality, and aptitude, with guidance from a career teacher.
List of Subjects at Senior School
| Core Subjects | Arts & Sports Science | Social Sciences | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) |
| 1. English | 1. Sports and Recreation | 1. Literature in English | 1. Biology |
| 2. Kiswahili/KSL | 2. Music and Dance | 2. Indigenous Languages | 2. Chemistry |
| 3. Core Mathematics/ | 3. Theatre and Film | 3. Fasihi ya Kiswahili | 3. Physics |
| 4. Essential Mathematics | 4. Fine Arts | 4. Sign Language | 4. General Science |
| 5. Community Service Learning (CSL) | 5. Arabic | 5. Agriculture | |
| 6. French | 6. Computer Studies | ||
| 7. German | 7. Home Science | ||
| 8. Mandarin Chinese | 8. Aviation | ||
| 9. Christian Religious Education | 9. Building Construction | ||
| 10. Islamic Religious Education | 10. Electricity | ||
| 11. Hindu Religious Education | 11. Metalwork |
Lesson Distribution at Senior School
| Subjects | No of Lessons Per Week (40 minutes per lesson) |
| Core Subjects 4 | |
| 1. English | 5 |
| 2. Kiswahili | 5 |
| 3. Essential Mathematics/Core Mathematics | 5 |
| 4. Community Service Learning | 3 |
| Elective Subjects | |
| 5. Elective 1 | 5 |
| 6. Elective 2 | 5 |
| 7. Elective 3 | 5 |
| *Physical Education | 3 |
| *ICT Skills | 2 |
| *PPI | 1 |
| *Learner Personal/Group Study | 1 |
| Total Number of Lessons | 40 |
Besides publishing the list of subjects that will be taught in Senior schools, KICD also noted that all learners will be provided with opportunities through Physical Education to develop physical fitness, strengthen socio-emotional competencies, and enhance healthy lifestyles.
In addition, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) skills will be offered to all learners to facilitate learning and enjoyment. These skills include accessing, creating, digital citizenship, and caring for ICT devices. The teacher should use ICT skills for the delivery of lessons.
Also Read: Relief for Parents as Govt Opens Window for KJSEA Candidates to Change Senior Schools
Every school, according to KICD, will offer Pastoral Programme Instruction (PPI) to enhance the moral, spiritual, and character development of the learners.
What’s more, one lesson will be used for personal or group study to deepen knowledge and enhance skills in areas of choice by the learners.
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