Government to construct 3,600 labs as STEM subjects become optional in schools
He emphasised that all students will have the freedom to choose their preferred path, whether in STEM, social sciences, or sports, but noted that "the common denominator will be languages."
The government is set to construct 1,600 physical laboratories and 2,000 virtual labs across senior schools. The move is in a bid to support the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathway under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang, speaking in Mombasa during a stakeholders’ forum on education reforms, clarified that while STEM subjects, including mathematics, will be available in all schools, students will not be forced to take them.
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Instead, learners will have the freedom to choose between three pathways- STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts, which will include sports, based on their interests and career aspirations.
“We need to demystify this idea that mathematics is compulsory for all students. What is compulsory is that all schools must offer STEM as a pathway, but no student is forced to take it,” said Dr. Kipsang.
He noted that there will be trial runs in the course of the year to run a simulation before the new placement method is fully adopted in January 2026.
"The future is about technology, so we expect schools to be ready to embrace this transition," he said.
"We are working with colleagues at the National Treasury to ensure the second tranche of capitation for senior schools is availed."
He emphasised that all students will have the freedom to choose their preferred path, whether in STEM, social sciences, or sports, but noted that "the common denominator will be languages."
"All students will have to study languages, whether it is Kiswahili, English, or sign language," he stated.
He also confirmed that the government is planning to recruit more teachers to support the transition.
The construction of laboratories aligns with recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, which proposed that 60 per cent of senior school learners should pursue STEM subjects.
The virtual labs are expected to bridge infrastructure gaps in schools that may lack the resources for fully equipped physical laboratories.
Dr. Kipsang emphasised that the transition to senior school under CBC will be guided by career pathways, allowing students to specialise early in their areas of interest.
The first cohort of CBC learners, currently in Grade 9, will sit for their junior school assessment in November before transitioning to senior school come January 2026.
Kipsang says he will ensure all the 1,600 schools have the labs.
Stakeholder dialogues are ongoing across all counties from March 9 to March 15 to address concerns about CBC implementation, teacher recruitment, and capacity building.
The initiative is expected to enhance STEM education in Kenya, equipping learners with the necessary skills for a rapidly evolving job market.
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