As Kenya is on the verge of introducing the second phase of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is calling on schools to help identify Kenya’s future artists, performers, and sportspersons.
In a letter sent to schools this week, KNEC has directed schools to nominate Grade 9 students who have demonstrated high talent in visual arts, music, dance, drama, and sport.
The nominations will be used to place the students in the Arts and Sports Science stream, one of the three specialty streams that are set to commence in senior secondary schools from January 2026.
Submissions are to be done by October 17, 2025.
The exercise is crucial in ensuring that students are guided into education paths most suitable for their talent, interests, and ability, says KNEC CEO David Njengere.
“We wish to create an environment where students thrive by doing what they enjoy and are capable of. That starts with correct identification and placement,” said Njengere to us.
What Schools Need to Know
To make the process easier, the Ministry of Education designed an electronic Nomination Tool which schools must use to input student data. Schools will log in through the system using their institution’s code username and first password and are urged to change their passwords upon first login.
Teachers must use the tool to objectively evaluate and select on basis of demonstrated ability not interest.
Nominations must be accompanied by documentation including:
Competition or exhibition awards
Records of performance or production
Samples of original work
Awards or other suitable recognition
Schools are advised to check the nomination form carefully before sending, to guarantee accuracy and compliance in all details.
More Than Just a Form
But the Council is clear: this is not an exercise in form-filling. It’s about shaping the destiny of students whose talents too often lie hidden in traditional educational settings.
“Too many sporting and artistic talents are relegated to the sidelines in preference for more academic scholastic skills,” a Ministry spokesman noted. “This path is designed to give such students the help and focus they deserve.”
What’s Changing in 2026?
CBC senior school level provides three career paths:
Arts and Sports Science
Social Sciences
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
The learners will be streamed into one of these streams based on performance, interest, and ability a far cry from the earlier one-size-fits-all 8-4-4 system.
The application process to the Arts and Sports Science route is the first real test of how well schools can apply CBC’s student-led method.
And for young Kenyans, it can be the start of a journey that finally puts their talents rather than just their exam results at the center of their education.
