The Ministry of Education is in the process of integrating all private schools in the country into the national framework for selection and placement of learners into senior secondary schools.
Speaking during a meeting with the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) on Wednesday, July 30, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok claimed that the move will facilitate the seamless transition of education under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Currently, the process of placing learners into senior schools is majorly dominated by public schools, a factor that often eclipses private schools, despite their notable contribution to the country's education ecosystem.
"The meeting provided a platform to deliberate on key issues of mutual interest, including the integration of private schools into the national framework for selection and placement of learners into senior schools," the PS stated.
"We also explored strategic approaches to incentivise and support the continued growth of the private education sector, acknowledging its vital role in complementing government efforts in the provision of quality and accessible education," the PS added.
The CBE system is focusing on students' strengths, interests, and practical skills, preparing them for employment and entrepreneurship.
Currently, learners who are in grade 9 are expected to join Grade 10 in 2026, which will mark the genesis of the senior school phase under CBE.
Under CBC, the placement process of Grade 10 learners will be based on their performance in the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), which they are set to undertake between October 27 and November 5, and their chosen career pathways.
The three pathways include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); Arts and Sports Science; and Social Sciences.
Furthermore, the programme will see teachers undergoing rigorous training to ensure that they are well-equipped and competent to dispense competency-based learning to learners.
According to the PS, the ministry will collaborate with the private sector to develop a framework that promotes fairness, inclusivity, and quality in education across both public and private schools.
"Further discussions focused on strengthening partnerships between the Ministry of Education and private sector actors to establish sustainable frameworks for collaboration, investment, and innovation within the education ecosystem," Bitok said.
