A New Chapter in Kenyan Education

Remember the days when choosing a high school meant scrambling for forms, standing in long queues, and hoping your child’s dream school had space? Those days are fading—thanks to Kenya’s shift from the 8-4-4 system to Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and now the Competency-Based Education (CBE).

“My son, Brian, loves fixing things—taking apart radios, rewiring plugs, even helping his uncle repair motorbikes in our village. But when it came to choosing his Grade 10 pathway, I froze. STEM? Social Sciences? Arts? How do I know what’s best for him?”

If you’re a Kenyan parent or guardian nodding along to this, you’re not alone. The shift from Junior School (Grades 7-9) to Senior School (Grades 10-12) under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system is a big step, one that shapes careers, futures, and dreams. 

Now, as learners step into Grade 10, the Ministry of Education has introduced an automated, digital-first approach—one that promises fairness, efficiency, and a smoother transition. But let’s be honest: for many parents, especially those in rural areas or less familiar with tech, this shift can feel overwhelming.

That’s where Learnademy comes in. Just as we’ve simplified digital learning for schools across Kenya, we’re here to walk you through the Grade 10 pathway selection, step by step, in a way that feels less like a government form and more like a conversation with a trusted teacher.

The Digital Leap: Kenya’s Transition into CBE Senior School

A few years ago, the idea of selecting a Grade 10 pathway online would’ve sounded like science fiction. But here we are—Kenya’s education system is embracing data-driven decisions, ensuring every learner gets a fair shot at their best-fit school and subjects.

This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about equity. Whether you’re in Nairobi or Narok, the same portal—selection.education.go.ke—gives every family access. No more lost forms, no more last-minute dashes to the DEO’s office. Just a few clicks and your child’s academic journey is set.

Stepping into Grade 10: Why the Pathway Matters

“But my child is only in Grade 9—how do we know which path is right?”. It’s a question many parents ask. The truth? This choice shapes their career options. The three Grade 10 pathways—STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science—each open different doors.

1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) - Future doctors, engineers, and tech innovators.
2. Social Sciences - Future lawyers, economists, and journalists.
3. Arts & Sports Science - Future Creatives, athletes, performers.

The key? Look beyond grades. What does your child love? Where do their strengths lie? A student struggling in math but excels in debate might flourish in the Social Sciences rather than STEM.

Navigating the Portal: A Parent’s Companion Guide

Picture this: You’re at home in Kisumu, your son’s NEMIS number in hand. You open your phone, type in selection.education.go.ke, and—wait, where’s the login button?

(Ah, those three little bars on the top right—that’s the menu!)

Here’s how to log in:

1. Enter your child’s Junior School NEMIS UIC and password.
2. During the pilot phase, use the verification code 54321.
3. Once in, you’ll see a dashboard—your gateway to their future.

Don’t rush. Take a breath. This is where the real work begins.

It’s More Than Clicking: Knowing Your Child Before Choosing

Before selecting three subject combinations, pause. Ask: What excites them? Where do they light up—lab experiments, writing stories, or scoring goals?

This isn’t about prestige (“STEM is the best!”) or fear (“What if Arts has no jobs?”). It’s about fit. A child forced into medicine against their may struggle, while the one on the right path thrives.

Beyond Academics: Capturing Special Needs and Home Realities

The portal asks for more than subjects—it wants context.

1. Special needs: Does your child require extra support?
2. Location: Are you in Kakamega but eyeing schools in Nakuru? Be realistic about logistics.
3. Guardian details: Who was present during the selection? (Parent? Teacher?)

The School Choice Dilemma: Urban Dreams vs. Local Realities

Every parent wants “the best” school. But what does “best” mean? The system requires selecting four schools per subject combination, spread across four clusters (a fairness measure). Maybe your first pick is a national school, but your fourth could be a local gem with smaller classes and dedicated teachers.

Balance ambition with practicality. A school far from home might mean boarding fees you can’t afford. A nearby day school could mean more family support.

What Happens After: Confirmation, Printing ,and Peace of Mind

Once you’ve selected pathways, subjects, and schools, don’t exit the portal yet!

1. Double-check every detail.
2. Download or print the confirmation. (Keep both digital and hard copies—just in case.)

This isn’t just bureaucracy; it’s your child’s roadmap. To every parent, teacher, and school leader reading this: You’re not alone. The Grade 10 pathway selection is a big step, but it’s also an opportunity to listen, to guide, and to trust that Kenya’s education system is evolving for our children.