Grade 9 learners will begin choosing senior schools, career pathways and subject combinations from August 24 as the government prepares for the 2027 Grade 10 transition.
The Ministry of Education has released the official timetable for the nationwide Grade 10 school selection exercise, setting the stage for one of the most critical phases of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Beginning August 24, thousands of Grade 9 learners across Kenya will select their preferred senior schools, career pathways and subject combinations ahead of joining Grade 10 in 2027.
The exercise follows weeks of preparation by education officials and schools, with the ministry introducing a structured rollout aimed at ensuring a smooth, transparent and accurate placement process.
Education Ministry sets Grade 10 school selection dates for nationwide rollout
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Education, the Grade 10 school selection exercise will run from August 24 to September 11.
The exercise will allow Grade 9 learners to choose their preferred senior schools, career pathways and subject combinations under the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa has directed Regional, County and Sub-county Directors of Education to supervise the implementation of the exercise across the country.
"The Ministry of Education is rolling out the process of selection and placement of Grade 9 learners for the year 2026. This process ensures that all Grade 9 learners select pathways, subject combinations and schools and are effectively placed in senior schools in 2027," the circular states.
The ministry says the structured timeline aims to ensure all learners complete the selection process before placement into senior schools next year.
The exercise comes as the second CBC cohort prepares to sit the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), which will play a key role in the transition to senior school.
Education officials and school heads to undergo virtual training
Before learners begin making their selections, the Ministry of Education will conduct a series of virtual sensitisation sessions targeting education officials and school administrators.
The rollout begins on August 3 with an online briefing for Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (SCQASOs) and Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs).
Between August 4 and August 6, SCQASOs will declare Grade 10 school capacities through the ministry's digital system.
Senior school principals will also participate in virtual training before updating available career pathways and subject combinations between August 6 and August 8.
Regional and County Directors, alongside Quality Assurance and Standards Officers, will attend another virtual sensitisation session on August 6.
Junior school heads will then undergo their own training between August 7 and August 11 as the ministry finalises preparations for the nationwide exercise.
The ministry has instructed all education officers to ensure every affected school head and official participates in the scheduled sessions.
Grade 10 selection marks another major CBC milestone
The upcoming selection exercise represents one of the most significant stages in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum.
For the first time, learners will choose schools based not only on location but also on specialised career pathways and subject combinations aligned with their interests and future careers.
The ministry believes the structured placement process will help match learners with schools offering their preferred learning pathways while improving planning for senior secondary education.
Officials are also expected to monitor school capacities closely to ensure equitable placement across the country.
The Grade 10 selection exercise is expected to shape learning opportunities for thousands of students as Kenya continues implementing the CBC system and prepares for the full transition to senior school in 2027.
