The Ministry of Education has released the official list of compulsory and optional subjects that will be taught in Senior School (Grades 10–12) under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The guidelines come ahead of January 2026, when the first cohort of CBC learners currently in Grade 9 will transition into Senior School.
According to the framework, Senior School represents the fourth tier of CBC, following Pre-Primary (PP1 & PP2), Primary (Grades 1–6), and Junior School (Grades 7–9). It is designed to give learners a pre-tertiary, pre-university, and pre-career experience, with subject selection tailored to their talents, aptitude, and career goals.
Structure of Senior School
Senior School will last three years (Grades 10–12), catering to learners aged 15–17 years. At this level, learners will be required to take seven subjects:
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Four compulsory subjects
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Three optional subjects drawn from specialized pathways
The three career pathways are:
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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
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Arts and Sports Science
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Social Sciences
Compulsory Subjects
All learners will be required to take:
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English
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Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language (KSL)
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Community Service Learning (CSL)
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Mathematics (Core Mathematics for STEM learners, Essential Mathematics for non-STEM learners).
However, learners outside the STEM pathway may still choose to pursue Core Mathematics if they demonstrate sufficient ability from their Junior School assessments.
Optional Subjects
In addition to compulsory areas, learners will select three more subjects. At least two must be drawn from the chosen pathway, while the third may be picked from another pathway if it aligns with the learner’s career ambitions.
In exceptional cases, a learner may take one subject from each of the three pathways if required by their future career choice.
List of Subjects
1. Arts & Sports Science
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Sports and Recreation
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Music and Dance
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Theatre and Film
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Fine Arts
2. Social Sciences
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Literature in English
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Fasihi ya Kiswahili
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Indigenous Languages
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Sign Language
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Arabic, French, German, Mandarin Chinese
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Christian Religious Education (CRE)
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Islamic Religious Education (IRE)
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Hindu Religious Education
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Business Studies
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History and Citizenship
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Geography
3. Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Physics
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General Science
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Agriculture
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Computer Studies
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Home Science
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Aviation
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Building Construction
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Electricity
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Metalwork
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Power Mechanics
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Woodwork
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Media Technology
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Marine and Fisheries Technology
Supportive Learning Areas
In addition to the above, learners will also take:
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Physical Education (PE) – to promote wellness and life skills
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ICT Skills – for digital literacy
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Pastoral/Religious Programme of Instruction (P/RPI) – for moral and character development
The Ministry has emphasized that no learner should be coerced into religious practices contrary to their beliefs, citing Circular Ref No: MOE.HQs/3/10/18 dated March 4, 2022.
Weekly Lesson Distribution
Each learner will have 40 lessons per week (40 minutes each), distributed as follows:
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English – 5
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Kiswahili – 5
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Mathematics – 5
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Community Service Learning – 3
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Optional Subject 1 – 5
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Optional Subject 2 – 5
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Optional Subject 3 – 5
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Physical Education – 3
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ICT Skills – 2
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Personal/Group Study – 1
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Pastoral/Religious Programme Instruction – 1
Transition to Higher Education
The Ministry has directed all Quality Assurance and Standards Officers and Senior School Principals to enforce the guidelines.
Additionally, the Departments of TVET and Higher Education have been urged to align their courses with CBC, ahead of the first cohort joining tertiary institutions in 2029.
The circular was signed by Prof. Amb. Julius Bitok, CBS, Principal Secretary, who emphasized that the reforms are aimed at preparing learners to become engaged, empowered, and ethical citizens ready to contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic growth.