The Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), Dr. David Njengere, addressed attendees during the launch of the EARC on July 4, 2025.
Kenya’s education system is undergoing one of the most significant transitions in recent history. Starting in January 2026, Grade 9 learners will move into one of three specialized Senior School pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science. This new structure, introduced under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), is meant to recognize and nurture learners’ diverse talents, preparing them not only for exams but for real-life careers and personal growth.
However, as implementation begins, early signs suggest that the STEM pathway is dominating Grade 9 selections, leaving many stakeholders concerned about whether the Arts and Sports Science pathway will receive the attention and respect it deserves.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released a circular guiding schools on the process of nominating learners for the Arts and Sports Science pathway. This is crucial because learners with exceptional abilities in arts, music, dance, drama, and sports often risk being overlooked in a system that traditionally prioritizes academic performance.
Why a Special Nomination Process for Arts and Sports?
Unlike mathematics or science, where performance can be measured through standardized testing, the arts and sports rely heavily on practical demonstration. A learner might excel in football, drama, or music but perform modestly in theory exams. If placement decisions were made solely on test scores, such learners would be unfairly locked out of opportunities that align with their abilities.
The nomination process is therefore designed to ensure learners are evaluated holistically. According to KNEC, schools must nominate Grade 9 learners who have demonstrated outstanding potential in:
- Music and Dance
- Theatre and Drama
- Visual Arts
- Sports and Athletics
This ensures that artistic and athletic excellence is not overshadowed by purely academic performance.
How the Nomination Portal Works
KNEC has streamlined the process through an online nomination portal available at nomination.knec.ac.ke. Schools must log in using their school code as both username and initial password. After changing the password, institutions gain access to detailed instructions and a step-by-step user manual.
The nomination requires submission of evidence to back each learner’s application. This includes:
- Records of competitions and awards.
- Proof of participation in performances, exhibitions, or tournaments.
- Evidence of originality in creative work.
This evidence-based system is designed to eliminate bias and favoritism, ensuring that learners are judged on merit. All submissions must be completed by Friday, 17th October 2025, making time management critical for schools and teachers.
For context, earlier reforms such as the KNEC move to register Grade 9 learners without KPSEA results show that authorities are working to streamline transitions while reducing unnecessary barriers.
Why the Government Is Concerned
Reports emerging from schools indicate that the majority of Grade 9 learners are being steered toward the STEM pathway. This isn’t surprising, considering Kenya’s strong emphasis on science and technology as engines of national development. However, policymakers are worried that over-concentration in STEM could sideline equally important fields.
Education officials argue that Kenya’s economy requires balanced talent development. While STEM produces engineers, doctors, and IT specialists, the arts, culture, and sports industries also generate employment and national pride. Kenya’s athletes, musicians, and actors are global ambassadors, and the new pathway should safeguard that legacy.
What Schools, Parents, and Learners Must Do
Schools are urged to take the nomination process seriously and ensure they highlight learners who genuinely demonstrate potential in arts and sports. Heads of institutions have been cautioned against treating the exercise as a mere formality. Integrity and accuracy are paramount, as this will determine whether talented learners thrive or get lost in the shuffle.
Parents are also advised to play an active role. If your child has displayed strong skills in music, theatre, athletics, or art, engage their teachers and ensure their abilities are recorded and submitted. Learners themselves should take the initiative by compiling portfolios, certificates, and recordings of their achievements.
Lessons from TSC Recruitment and Promotions
This nomination process echoes the principles used in teacher management. For instance, the TSC panel score sheet used during teacher recruitment and promotions also relies on evidence-based assessment. Just like teachers must present certificates and documents, learners too must provide proof of their talents to secure placement in the Arts and Sports pathway.
This parallel highlights Kenya’s shift toward merit-driven systems where opportunities are awarded based on demonstrated ability rather than personal networks or favoritism.
The Role of Approved CBC Materials
Another key element in this transition is the availability of learning resources. The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has approved specific textbooks and materials for CBC Senior School, including for the Arts and Sports pathway. Parents and teachers can view the full KICD list of approved CBC books for 2025. Access to the right textbooks ensures that learners in this pathway have credible academic support to complement their practical training.
Without the right resources, even nominated learners may struggle. The government has therefore stressed the importance of distributing approved materials in time for the January 2026 rollout.
The Bigger Picture: Competency-Based Education in Action
The transition to pathways in Senior School is not just an administrative exercise; it is the heart of the Competency-Based Curriculum. CBC was introduced to shift the focus from rote memorization to practical skills, and these pathways embody that vision.
- STEM nurtures logical, analytical, and technical skills.
- Social Sciences focus on leadership, communication, and human development.
- Arts and Sports Science cultivate creativity, innovation, and physical excellence.
Each learner should have the chance to follow a path that matches their strengths. The success of this system depends on schools’ ability to accurately identify and support individual talents.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the good intentions, several challenges loom:
- Bias toward STEM: Parents and schools may still perceive STEM as more prestigious, disadvantaging arts and sports learners.
- Resource gaps: Arts and sports facilities are often underfunded compared to science labs.
- Teacher preparedness: Some schools may lack adequately trained teachers in arts and sports.
- Monitoring integrity: Ensuring that nominations are genuine and not influenced by favoritism will require strict oversight.
Addressing these challenges will be critical if Kenya is to strike a balance between academic excellence and talent development.
Conclusion
The introduction of Senior School pathways marks a historic milestone in Kenya’s education system. While the STEM pathway is clearly dominating early selections, the Arts and Sports Science pathway offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock Kenya’s creative and athletic potential.
The success of this initiative depends on the honesty of schools, the involvement of parents, and the determination of learners themselves. With proper nominations, resource allocation, and integrity, Kenya can ensure that no talent goes unnoticed and that education truly serves the diverse abilities of its young people.
As Grade 9 learners prepare for their future, the country must remain vigilant to guarantee equity across all pathways. After all, a balanced society needs scientists, leaders, artists, and athletes working together to shape Kenya’s destiny.
