What has been termed a radical move in the enhancement of the education system, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development has proposed to offer 40 subjects to Grade 10 students in Senior School. According to KICD, the move fits within the Competency-Based Curriculum and may start as early as 2026. Three grades will mark the beginning of Senior School, starting with Grade 10.
Mandatory and Optional Subjects
The new design curriculum stipulates that every learner in Grade 10 will be required to take four compulsory subjects:
- English
- Kiswahili
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education (PE)
Thirdly, learners will have freedom to choose three more subjects from a wide pool thus making it a total of seven subjects. This will be guided by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.
STEM Pathway
The following 17 subjects are provided within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics STEM:
- Advanced Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General Science
- Agriculture
- Computer Studies
- Home Science
- Drawing and Design
- Aviation Technology
- Building and Construction
- Electrical Technology
- Metal Technology
- Power Mechanics
- Wood Technology
- Media Technology
- Marine and Fisheries Technology
Social Science Pathway
The Social Science Pathway offers a wide array of subjects, including:
- Advanced English
- Literature in English
- Indigenous Language
- Kiswahili Kipevu/Kenya Sign Language
- Fasihi ya Kiswahili
- Sign Language
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Mandarin Chinese
- History and Citizenship
- Geography
- Christian Religious Education/Islamic Religious Education/Hindu Religious Education
- Business Studies
Arts and Sports Science Pathway
The Arts and Sports Science Pathway includes:
- Sports and Recreation
- Physical Education
- Music and Dance
- Theatre and Film
- Fine Arts
Specialized Learning Areas
Advanced options available under this curriculum are those specialising in English and Kiswahili. Those opting for the two subjects will work on a diversified curriculum at A level comprising; Advanced English or Kiswahili Kipevu with an additional number of lessons.
“It is advisable that at least two learning areas should be from the chosen Pathway. In an exclusive cases, some learners may wish to choose one learning area from the chosen Pathway and a maximum of two learning areas from any of the three pathways; depending on the learners’ career projections and with guidance by the Principals at Senior School,” states the curriculum design.
Stakeholder Feedback
KICD invites views from stakeholders on the proposed subjects and the structure of curriculum. Views are sought for the avowed need to fine-tune the curriculum to meet the current needs of learners and make them relevant to their eventual career paths.