Grade 10 marks the start of senior secondary school and the first time your child studies a specialised set of subjects based on their chosen pathway. Many parents arrive at this point without a clear picture of what each pathway actually involves day to day. This guide gives you the complete subject breakdown for all three pathways so there are no surprises.
How the pathway system works
Every Grade 10 learner in Kenya follows one of three pathways: STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts and Sports Science. The pathway is determined by the senior school placement process, which combines KJSEA results, KPSEA results, and School-Based Assessment scores. For a full explanation of how placement is calculated, read our guide on how senior school placement works in Kenya.
Within each pathway, all learners study four compulsory core subjects. On top of those, each pathway has its own set of specialised subjects. The combination of core and specialised subjects makes up the full timetable for Grades 10, 11, and 12.
The four compulsory core subjects
Every learner in senior secondary school, regardless of pathway, studies these four subjects:
| Subject | Why it is compulsory |
|---|---|
| English | Communication, literacy, and the language of instruction across all subjects |
| Kiswahili | National language proficiency and cultural identity |
| Community Service Learning | Practical engagement with the community, developing civic responsibility and real-world skills |
| Physical Education | Health, fitness, and physical development across all three years of senior school |
STEM pathway subjects
The STEM pathway is designed for learners with strong performance in Mathematics and Integrated Science. It leads to careers in medicine, engineering, technology, architecture, data science, and related fields. Learners in this pathway study the four core subjects plus the following specialised subjects:
| Subject | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Advanced algebra, calculus, statistics, and applied mathematics |
| Biology | Cell biology, genetics, ecology, human physiology, and biotechnology |
| Chemistry | Organic and inorganic chemistry, chemical reactions, and industrial applications |
| Physics | Mechanics, electricity, waves, thermodynamics, and modern physics |
| Computer Science | Programming, algorithms, data structures, networks, and digital systems |
Learners in the STEM pathway choose three of the five specialised subjects above based on their career interests and school availability. Mathematics is compulsory within the STEM pathway. To understand where STEM leads after Grade 12, read our guide on CBE STEM pathway careers.
Social Sciences pathway subjects
The Social Sciences pathway suits learners with strengths in humanities, languages, business, and social studies. It leads to careers in law, economics, journalism, public administration, education, and business. Learners study the four core subjects plus specialised subjects from this group:
| Subject | What it covers |
|---|---|
| History and Government | Kenyan and world history, governance, political systems, and international relations |
| Geography | Physical and human geography, environmental studies, and spatial analysis |
| Business Studies | Entrepreneurship, accounting, commerce, and business management |
| Economics | Micro and macroeconomics, trade, development, and financial literacy |
| Religious Education | CRE, IRE, or HRE depending on the learner |
| Foreign Languages | French, German, Arabic, or Mandarin depending on school availability |
Learners choose three specialised subjects from the group above. For a full breakdown of where this pathway leads, read our guide on CBE Social Sciences pathway careers.
Arts and Sports Science pathway subjects
The Arts and Sports Science pathway is for learners with talents in creative arts, performing arts, and physical education. It leads to careers in music, fine art, design, sports science, coaching, media, and the creative industries. Learners study the four core subjects plus specialised subjects from this group:
| Subject | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Fine Art and Design | Drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, and visual communication |
| Music | Music theory, composition, performance, and music technology |
| Drama and Theatre | Scriptwriting, performance, stagecraft, and film studies |
| Sports Science | Exercise physiology, sports nutrition, coaching, and sports management |
| Dance | Choreography, performance, and the history of dance forms |
Learners choose three specialised subjects from the group above based on their talents and school availability. For careers this pathway leads to, read our guide on CBE Arts and Sports Science pathway careers.
Side by side comparison
| Feature | STEM | Social Sciences | Arts and Sports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core subjects | 4 compulsory | 4 compulsory | 4 compulsory |
| Specialised subjects chosen | 3 from 5 | 3 from 6 | 3 from 5 |
| Mathematics | Compulsory | Not required | Not required |
| Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Not included | Sports Science only |
| Typical career direction | Medicine, engineering, tech | Law, business, education | Creative industries, sports |
What if your child is not happy with their pathway
Pathway placement is based on the combined placement score from KJSEA, KPSEA, and SBA. If a learner is placed in a pathway that does not match their interests, there is a formal appeal process through the Ministry of Education. Appeals must be submitted within the window announced by the Ministry after placement results are released.
It is also worth noting that the pathway system is designed to be broad enough that most career options remain open. A learner in Social Sciences can still pursue law, medicine-adjacent fields, or business. A learner in Arts and Sports can pursue media, design, or education. The pathway narrows the subject focus but does not close doors permanently.
Understanding what your child will study in Grade 10 is the first step to supporting them well through senior school. If you are still at the placement stage, read our guide on CBE senior school pathways explained for a full overview of how the three pathways differ and what each one leads to after Grade 12.