KNEC Releases New Directive For Grade 9 Placement In Senior Schools

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued a fresh directive to schools across the country, calling for the nomination of Grade 9 learners with special talents in arts and sports to be considered for placement in the Arts and Sports Science Pathway in senior schools.

This move by KNEC marks a critical step in the full implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which officially transitions learners to Senior School in January 2026.

In a circular addressed to all secondary school heads, KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere explained that the nominations are intended to identify and nurture young learners who have consistently shown potential and passion in specific creative and sporting disciplines. Schools are required to submit all relevant details of the nominated students before the deadline of October 17, 2025.

According to KNEC, the nomination process is designed to prepare the ground for the rollout of the senior school pathways under CBC. Under this system, learners will not all follow the same academic path.

Instead, they will specialize in one of three pathways: Social Sciences, Arts and Sports Science, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

The Arts and Sports Science pathway is specifically tailored for learners who excel in fields such as visual arts, theatre, music, dance, and various sporting disciplines. By formally recognizing and placing such learners in senior schools that offer specialized training, the government hopes to unlock their potential and prepare them for future careers in both the creative industries and professional sports.

KNEC has emphasized that the nomination should be objective and strictly based on demonstrated ability. Schools are expected to provide solid evidence of learners’ achievements.

This may include:

1. Performance records and competition results
2. Exhibition or production records
3. Certificates of completion or awards
4. Original works of art, music, or dance

This requirement is meant to eliminate bias and ensure that only genuinely talented learners benefit from the program.

To standardize the process, the Ministry of Education has developed a Nomination Tool that will guide teachers in selecting deserving learners. The tool provides clear instructions to help teachers assess talent fairly and document it properly before submission. Schools are urged to carefully review the instructions before making final submissions.

Schools will complete the nominations through an online portal. Each school will use its school code as both the username and password during the initial login, after which they will be able to change the password for security.

The submission process involves filling out an online nomination form with all required learner details. Schools are expected to double-check the accuracy and compliance of all information before submission. Any missing or inaccurate details could disqualify a learner from consideration.

The Ministry of Education has underscored the importance of this exercise, noting that the Senior School pathways form a cornerstone of CBC. For the first time in Kenya’s education system, learners will not be placed in senior schools solely based on academic performance. Instead, factors such as talent, aspirations, and demonstrated abilities will also influence placement.

“This nomination process is a step towards recognizing that not all learners thrive in traditional academic pathways. Some excel in sports, music, theatre, or visual arts, and they deserve an environment that nurtures those talents into careers and lifelong skills,” Njengere explained.

The Arts and Sports Science Pathway is expected to transform Kenya’s cultural and sporting landscape. By channeling young talent into structured programs from an early age, the government hopes to build a strong pipeline of professionals who can compete locally and internationally in creative industries and athletics.

The Initiative also aligns with Kenya’s broader development goals, where arts and sports are increasingly recognized as key drivers of economic growth, youth empowerment, and social cohesion.

Schools are now racing against time to prepare their nominations. Teachers are expected to identify talented learners, collect evidence, and upload the required details on the platform before the October deadline. Heads of institutions have been reminded that the responsibility lies squarely with them to ensure accuracy and transparency in the nomination exercise.

With the January 2026 CBC senior school rollout approaching, this marks a historic shift in the country’s education system, one that aims to value every learner’s unique potential and give them the right foundation for their future careers.

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