Grade 10 learners joining senior school in Kenya have a wide range of options under the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway, which is one of the three senior-school pathways under the Competency-Based Education system.
The Ministry of Education’s official Grade 10 Selection and Placement System allows learners to select pathways, subject combinations, and senior schools based on the options available in the system.
STEM Pathway Under CBC
STEM is organized into Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, and Technical Studies, with each track offering different combinations of three optional subjects.
Among the combinations available are Biology, Chemistry and Computer Studies; Core Mathematics, Chemistry and Computer Studies; Core Mathematics, Agriculture and General Science; and Core Mathematics, Home Science and Physics.
Other combinations include technical and career-oriented subjects such as Building and Construction, Aviation, Media Technology, Marine and Fisheries, Electronics Technology, and other technical studies. The senior-school selection system assigns specific codes to the approved combinations.
Under the Grade 10 structure, learners take seven subjects. Four are compulsory: English, Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language, Mathematics and Community Service Learning, while three are selected according to the learner’s pathway and interests. STEM learners take Core Mathematics.
Schools Offering STEM Combinations Across Kenya
The official selection platform provides school-level information for learners choosing their preferred STEM combination.
Some school options include St Mary’s Kibabii High School, Kangaru School, Lugulu Girls, Mua Hills Girls, Mwingi Boys, Nyakach Girls, Chuka Girls, Moi Forces Academy and Rang’ala Boys.
For technical and specialized STEM options, the list also includes institutions such as Nairobi School, Garissa High School, Kapenguria School, Komothai Boys, Rombo Girls and other senior schools.
The availability of a particular combination differs from one school to another. A learner therefore cannot assume that a school offering STEM will automatically offer every STEM subject combination.
For example, schools offering combinations involving Biology, Chemistry and Computer Studies are much more numerous than those offering highly specialized options such as Aviation or some technical combinations.
Some of the best senior schools offering the options include:
Best Boys’ Schools
1 Alliance High School Kiambu
2 Mang’u High School Kiambu
3 Kapsabet Boys High School Nandi
4 Maranda High School Siaya
5 Nairobi School Nairobi
6 Lenana School Nairobi
7 Starehe Boys’ Centre and School Nairobi
8 Kakamega School Kakamega
9 Kisii School Kisii
10 Maseno School Kisumu
11 Kangaru School Embu
12 Nyeri High School Nyeri
13 Kagumo High School Nyeri
14 Friends School Kamusinga Bungoma
15 St Mary’s Kibabii Boys High School Bungoma
16 Mwingi Boys High School Kitui
17 Rang’ala Boys High School Siaya
18 Kapenguria School West Pokot
19 Garissa High School Garissa
20 St Joseph’s Nyabigena Boys High School Kisii
Best Girls schools
1 Alliance Girls’ High School Kiambu
2 The Kenya High School Nairobi
3 Maryhill Girls High School Kiambu
4 Pangani Girls High School Nairobi
5 Moi Girls’ School Eldoret Uasin Gishu
6 Loreto Limuru Girls School Kiambu
7 Loreto High School Matunda Trans Nzoia
8 Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls High School Nyeri
9 Precious Blood Riruta Nairobi
10 Loreto Convent Msongari Nairobi
11 Lugulu Girls High School Bungoma
12 Mua Hills Girls Secondary School Machakos
13 Chuka Girls High School Tharaka-Nithi
14 Nyakach Girls High School Kisumu
15 Eregi Girls High School Kakamega
16 Lavington Girls Secondary School Nairobi
17 Bura Girls High School Taita-Taveta
18 Kipsigis Girls High School Kericho
19 Kisumu Girls High School Kisumu
20 St Brigid’s Girls High School Kiminini Trans Nzoia
How Learners Can Identify the Right STEM School
Parents and learners can use the official Grade 10 Selection and Placement System to search for available senior schools and subject combinations. The platform provides information to help learners make their selections before placement.
Subject choices in the categories are linked to the learner’s preferred career pathway. A learner interested in medicine, for example, may prioritize combinations containing Biology and Chemistry, while the one interested in computing may look for Computer Studies alongside Mathematics.
Students interested in engineering and technical careers can consider combinations that include subjects such as Physics, Building and Construction, Aviation and Media Technology, depending on the options offered by individual schools.
