Education CS Ogamba defends career pathway rollout for Grade 9

Ogamba said the move is meant to help learners make informed decisions.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed schools to sensitise parents, guardians and candidates on the selection process of the three career pathways ahead of the transition of Grade 9 learners to Senior Secondary School.
In a statement on Saturday, Ogamba said the move is meant to help learners make informed decisions.
More To Read
- Over 1,000 Grade 9 students attend inaugural career pathways fair in Mombasa
- CBC system: Uncertainty looms for Grade 9 learners amid school choice delays
- KNEC rolls out online proficiency test for new CBC entrants ahead of junior school assessment
- KNEC announces July, August deadlines for 2025 CBC assessments
- Government unveils reforms to tackle financial woes, strikes in public universities
- State makes Math mandatory for all CBC senior school learners after public outcry
He also assured the public that no student will miss out on choosing their preferred schools. “To support the effective rollout of the process, schools across the country have been directed to sensitise parents, guardians and candidates regarding the selection process,” Ogamba said.
The CS dismissed a report by a local daily which claimed there was a crisis due to delays in releasing guidelines.
The newspaper, in its Saturday edition, ran a headline, “Crisis Over Grade 9 Pathway Choices” and accused the Ministry of failing to lead the career pathway selection process.
Ogamba clarified that the process is on track and said piloting is already underway.
“Currently, the piloting of the process is being conducted in 47 schools that have been selected to represent each county ahead of an official launch next month,” he stated.
His statement came a week after the Ministry released guidelines for the selection and placement of Grade 9 learners.
The guidelines, issued on May 22, require students to pick from three career pathways—STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science, and to pursue seven subjects: four core and three optional.
Learners are also expected to select 12 schools, with nine being boarding and three day schools, depending on subject combinations and location.
Top Stories Today