As learners complete Grade 9 under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), Unlike the old education system where everyone followed the same subjects, CBC allows learners to choose learning paths that match their interests, strengths, and talents. These choices are known as KPSEA pathways, and they guide what learners study in Senior School. Alongside these pathways is another option called TVET, which focuses on practical skills. While they are often mentioned together, they are not the same thing.
Under the CBC, Kenya has three official Senior School pathways. These pathways are for learners who proceed to Senior School in Grades 10 to 12. The first pathway is STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This pathway is for learners who enjoy science experiments, working with numbers, solving problems and using technology. It prepares learners for careers such as medicine, engineering, environmental science, research, and technology-related fields.
The second pathway is Social Sciences. This pathway focuses on understanding people, society, and how the world works. It includes subjects such as languages, history, geography and business studies. Learners who enjoy reading, writing, discussion, and leadership often do well in this pathway. It prepares learners for careers in teaching, journalism, law, public service, diplomacy, and community development.
The third pathway is Arts and Sports Science. This pathway supports learners who are creative or physically talented. It includes visual arts, music, drama, film, design, and sports. Learners in this pathway develop creativity, discipline, teamwork, and self-expression. It prepares them for careers in the creative industries, sports, entertainment, coaching, and related entrepreneurship.
Because TVET is often discussed alongside these pathways, many people think Kenya has four pathways. This is not correct. TVET is not a KPSEA pathway. Instead, TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and it is a separate but equally important option.
TVET focuses on hands-on, practical skills that prepare learners directly for work or self-employment. TVET institutions offer training in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, mechanics, fashion and beauty, hospitality, catering, and digital and technical skills. Learners who prefer learning by doing, working with tools, or building practical skills may find TVET more suitable than Senior School.
After Grade 9, a learner can either join Senior School and choose one of the three pathways, or move directly into a TVET institution. Both choices are recognised and respected within Kenya’s education system. What matters is not the path chosen, but whether the path matches the learner’s abilities, interests, and goals.
The CBC was designed to recognise that learners are different. Some are academic, some are creative, and others are technical. KPSEA pathways and TVET exist to make sure every learner has a chance to succeed, grow, and prepare for a meaningful future. There is no “better” option only the option that fits the learner best.
In the end, education is not about forcing everyone into the same mould. It is about helping each learner discover their strengths and giving them the right space to develop them. Whether through STEM, Social Sciences, Arts and Sports Science or TVET, every path leads to opportunity.