Pathways and Learning Areas In Senior School – Kenya Competency-Based Education

In Senior School under Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE), learners entering Grade 10 are expected to choose a career pathway that will shape the Learning Areas they study and guide their learning journey toward their future goals.

The three main pathways are: 

  • Arts and Sports Science 
  • Social Sciences 
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 

Below are some pertinent considerations in Learning Area composition

  • All learners are required to take the four core (mandatory) Learning Areas, regardless of the pathway they choose.
  • All learners are required to choose 3 elective Learning Areas.
  • Physical Education (PE) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is offered to every learner, helping them stay active, enjoy learning, and build practical life skills.
  • Every school is required to provide a Pastoral Program of Instruction (PPI) to nurture strong values, character, and spiritual growth.
  • Learners also have dedicated time for personal or group study, giving them the freedom to explore their interests, deepen their understanding, and strengthen their skills in areas they care about most.

The total number of lessons each week is 40, organized as follows:

Learning Area CategoryLearning AreasNo. Lessons per week(40 minutes per lesson)
Core Learning AreasEnglish5
Kiswahili5
Essential/Core Mathematics5
Community Service Learning3
Elective Learning AreasElective 15
Elective 25
Elective 35
Core Support Learning AreasPhysical Education3
ICT2
PPI1
Personal/Group Study1
Total40

Senior School Learning Pathways and Examinable Learning Areas

Career PathwaysLearning Area AllocationCore Learning AreasElectives
Arts and Sports ScienceCore (4)Electives (3)English Kiswahili/KSL
Core Mathematics/Essential Mathematics
Community Service Learning (CSL)
Sports and Recreation
Music and Dance Theatre and Film Fine Arts
Social Sciences
 
Core (2)Electives (3)English
Kiswahili/KSL
Core Mathematics/Essential Mathematics
Community Service Learning (CSL) 
Literature in English Indigenous Languages
Fasihi ya Kiswahili
Kenyan Sign Language
Arabic
French
German Mandarin Chinese Christian Religious Education
Islamic Religious Education
Hindu Religious Education History and Citizenship Geography Business Studies 
Science, Technology, Engineering, and MathematicsCore (2)Electives (3)English
Kiswahili/KSL Core Mathematics/Essential Mathematics
Community Service Learning (CSL) 
Biology Chemistry Physics
General Science Agriculture Computer Studies
Home Science Aviation
Building Construction Electricity Metalwork
Power Mechanics
Wood Technology Media Technology Marine and Fisheries Technology