Kenya Rolls Out New Education System in 2026 Students to Choose STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports Paths
MAMA NGINA HIGH, Mombasa July 15 –Kenya is set for a major education overhaul as the Competency-Based Education (CBE)system introduces Grade 10 in January 2026.
Parents are now urged to guide their children in selecting Senior Secondary schools and academic paths aligned with their career aspirations.
Under the new system, students will choose from three specialized tracks: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Social Sciences (History, Geography, Economics), and, Arts and Sports Science (Creative Arts, Music, Drama, Sports)
Speaking at Mama Ngina Girls’ High School, Prof. Leila Abubakar of the Technical University of Mombasa emphasized that CBE prioritizes talent development, creativity, and critical thinking, a shift from the rote-learning focus of the old 8-4-4 system.
“While initial challenges like parental awareness may arise, teachers are now equipped to guide students,” she assured, noting that subject specialization isn’t new, Kenya’s 7-4-2-3 system once followed a similar model.
Prof Abubakar further highlighted how the system prevents strong STEM students, for instance, from being disadvantaged by weaker performance in humanities.
She urged Coast-region schools to incorporate Blue Economy courses such as Marine Studies to align with government priorities.
Mrs Mwanahamisi Omar, Principal of Mama Ngina Girls’ High, a national school transitioning to CBE, confirmed readiness to offer all three tracks.
“We’re prepared. Parental support will be key to student success,” she said.
On his part, Mombasa County Education Officer Samuel Kiragu affirmed regional schools’ capacity to deliver the pathways, advising institutions to engage parents early in school selection.
