The Ministry of Education has confirmed a seven-day review window for Grade 9 learners transitioning to senior school (Grade 10), which opens on Tuesday, December 23, 2023.
This follows the release of the inaugural Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) results and the automated placement of learners into career-pathway-aligned senior schools.
What Is the Placement About?
Under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, learners are placed into senior schools based on a combination of:
- Career interests and talents
- Performance across three assessment stages
- Available school capacity and pathway offerings
Learners choose from three broad pathways:
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Sports Science
The ministry emphasises that this system is designed to “align the education system with national development goals and global education trends,” while equipping learners with “relevant skills and competencies for a competitive local and international market.”
How Are Learners Assessed?
Placement draws from a triangulated 100% assessment structure:
- 40% from Grade 6 KPSEA (formative)
- 20% from continuous teacher assessments in Grades 7 and 8
- 40% from the Grade 9 KJSEA (summative)
This structure, according to the Ministry, ensures “a well-rounded and realistic evaluation of learners’ abilities, suitability, and readiness for a specific pathway.”
Key Date: Placement Review Opens December 23
For parents and learners dissatisfied with their current placement, the ministry will open a seven-day review window starting Tuesday, December 23. During this period, candidates may revise their senior school choices by contacting:
- Their Grade 9 schools
- Sub-County or County Directors of Education
The Ministry assures that the review will be guided by merit, available spaces, and transparency. “We encourage all involved parties to engage constructively in the placement process,” said Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education.
What This Means for Parents
This transition marks a pivotal moment for families. While many learners have been placed in their preferred schools, others face disappointment due to:
- High competition for popular schools
- Limited vacancies
- Mismatches between learner aspirations and assessment outcomes
Parents are encouraged to support their children in making realistic choices. The Ministry acknowledges the anxiety surrounding this pioneer process and commits to fairness and empathy. “We are dedicated to making the placement process as fair, transparent, and satisfactory as possible,” Prof. Bitok affirmed.
