Francis Wambugu Irungu Kenya’s education system marked a pivotal moment on January 12, 2026, as over 1.13 million Grade 10 learners, the pioneer cohort under the Competency-Based Curriculum, began reporting to senior secondary schools nationwide. This historic transition from junior to senior secondary unfolded seamlessly in most regions, signaling the full rollout of CBC’s talent-based pathways designed to nurture individual aptitudes.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba toured schools in Murang’a County, praising the smooth and historic rollout despite low initial turnout at some day schools and parental rushes at popular institutions like Thika’s Chania Boys High. The government disbursed Sh44.2 billion in capitation for Primary, Junior, and Senior Schools, ensuring tuition coverage under Free Day Secondary Education while reaffirming no fee hikes, a key reassurance amid earlier rumors of increases.
At St. Faustina Kerugoya Girls’ Senior School in Kirinyaga County, eager Grade 10 students arrived bright and early with their guardians to finalize admissions. Teachers stood ready to assist families, overseeing a seamless and well-organized process that reflected nationwide preparations. The C1-classified school under CBC plans to welcome 520 learners into its three pathways: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Social Sciences, or Sports and Arts. Principal reports indicate high interest in STEM tracks, aligning with the curriculum’s emphasis on practical skills, innovation, and career readiness for a dynamic job market.
Placement hiccups persist for some of the 1.1 million learners facing mismatches or withheld assessments; appeals and second reviews now extended to January 16 via the official portal at selection.education.go.ke. Despite minor chaos earlier, school heads resolved issues on-site, with Teachers Service Commission-trained educators supporting the three core pathways across the country. Textbooks are set to reach one-to-one ratios by late January, complemented by 1,600 new laboratories to bolster hands-on CBC learning and equip students for real-world challenges.
Parents express relief mixed with concerns over boarding capacities at extra-county schools, where fees remain cluster-approved starting at KSh 53,000 annually. Principals report full readiness for the influx expected through the week, highlighting infrastructure upgrades and specialized staffing. CS Ogamba’s visits underscored government commitment, urging parents to verify placements online and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
This milestone paves the way for specialized senior secondary education, promising better talent nurturing as Kenya adapts to global demands. Schools anticipate full enrollment by week’s end, with monitoring teams ensuring compliance and support.
