Grade 9 learners to select senior schools from August 24

The window comes after a delay that had raised concern among education stakeholders, who warned that the limited time could affect learners' choices and their preparation for senior school.

About 1.2 million Grade 9 learners are expected to join senior school, choosing career pathways, subject combinations and preferred schools through the ministry's automated placement system.

Learners will pick from three pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Social Sciences; and Arts and Sports Science. The choice will shape their senior school education and future careers.

The exercise forms part of the rollout of Competency-Based Education (CBE), with learners set to sit the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) at the end of the junior school cycle.

Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa has directed education directors at the regional, county and sub-county levels to oversee the process.

Ahead of the selection window, the ministry will hold virtual sensitisation sessions for education officials and school heads from August 3 to August 11, 2026.

The class is the second cohort to go through senior school selection under CBE, after the pioneer group transitioned to Grade 10 in January 2026.