2026 marks a historic moment in Kenyan education: the very first cohort of learners entering Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC (now CBE)). This is Senior Secondary — the final three years of school before university or TVET. If your child has just been placed into Grade 10, you are probably asking the most basic and most important question: what subjects will they study?
This article gives you the complete, verified list of Grade 10 subjects for every pathway, explains which subjects are compulsory vs elective, and clarifies the non-examinable subjects that all learners still take.
The 4 Compulsory Core Subjects (All Pathways)
Regardless of which pathway your child was placed into — STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports — these four subjects are mandatory and examinable:
| Subject | What It Covers | Examinable? |
|---|---|---|
| English | Advanced comprehension, essay writing, oral communication, literature, and critical analysis | Yes |
| Kiswahili / KSL | Advanced Kiswahili language, fasihi (literature), sarufi (grammar), and oral proficiency. KSL for learners with hearing impairments. | Yes |
| Mathematics | Advanced algebra, trigonometry, calculus foundations, geometry, statistics, and probability | Yes |
| Community Service Learning (CSL) | Learners design and implement a community-based project. Assessed through project reports, reflections, and presentations. | Yes |
Community Service Learning is the newest and perhaps most misunderstood of the core subjects. It is not a traditional classroom subject. Learners identify a community problem, plan a response, execute the project (individually or in groups), and present evidence of their work. Assessment is portfolio-based, and it is examinable at national level — meaning it counts toward the Kenya Senior School Education Assessment (KSSEA) at the end of Grade 12.
Non-Examinable Subjects (All Pathways)
In addition to the 7 examinable subjects, every Grade 10 learner participates in:
- Physical Education (PE) — Compulsory participation but not examined at national level. Includes athletics, ball games, fitness, and health. Assessed internally by the school.
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) — Digital literacy, basic programming concepts, internet safety, and office applications. Non-examinable but essential for 21st-century skills development.
While these subjects do not contribute to the national exam score, schools are required to timetable and teach them. They contribute to the learner's holistic development and appear on the school-based report card.
STEM Pathway — Elective Subjects
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) pathway is designed for learners who showed strong aptitude in Mathematics and Sciences during Junior Secondary. Learners choose 3 elective subjects from the following:
| STEM Elective | What It Covers | Career Links |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Mechanics, waves, electricity, magnetism, modern physics, atomic structure | Engineering, Aviation, Telecommunications |
| Chemistry | Organic chemistry, chemical bonding, acids & bases, reaction kinetics, industrial chemistry | Medicine, Pharmacy, Industrial Manufacturing |
| Biology | Cell biology, genetics, ecology, human physiology, evolution, biotechnology | Medicine, Veterinary Science, Environmental Science |
| Computer Science | Programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, cybersecurity, AI fundamentals | Software Development, Data Science, IT Management |
| Agriculture | Advanced crop science, animal production, agricultural economics, agri-technology | Agricultural Engineering, Agribusiness, Food Science |
| Advanced Mathematics | Further calculus, complex numbers, matrices, statistics, and mechanics | Actuarial Science, Engineering, Research |
A typical STEM learner aiming for medicine, for example, might choose Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. A learner targeting software engineering might choose Computer Science, Physics, and Advanced Mathematics.
Social Sciences Pathway — Elective Subjects
The Social Sciences pathway suits learners with strong verbal, analytical, and reasoning abilities. Elective choices include:
| Social Sciences Elective | What It Covers | Career Links |
|---|---|---|
| History | Kenyan history, African history, world history, historiography, and source analysis | Law, Diplomacy, Journalism, Academia |
| Geography | Physical geography, human geography, environmental management, fieldwork, and GIS | Urban Planning, Environmental Management, Tourism |
| Business Studies | Accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, business law, and financial management | Business Management, Accounting, Banking |
| Religious Education (CRE/IRE/HRE) | Advanced theology, ethics, contemporary moral issues, interfaith dialogue | Theology, Counselling, Social Work, NGO Sector |
| Government & Governance | Kenyan constitution, devolution, international relations, political theory, human rights | Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Diplomacy |
Arts & Sports Pathway — Elective Subjects
The Arts & Sports pathway is for learners with talents and interests in creative expression, performance, and athletic achievement:
| Arts & Sports Elective | What It Covers | Career Links |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Art | Drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, art history, and portfolio development | Graphic Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, Animation |
| Music | Music theory, performance, composition, African music traditions, digital music production | Music Performance, Production, Education, Sound Engineering |
| Theatre & Film | Acting, directing, script writing, film production, stage design, and performance studies | Film Industry, Theatre, Broadcasting, Content Creation |
| Physical Education (Advanced) | Sports science, coaching, nutrition for athletes, sports management, exercise physiology | Professional Sports, Coaching, Physiotherapy, Sports Management |
| Home Science | Nutrition, textiles, home management, hospitality, food science, and catering | Hospitality, Fashion, Nutrition, Catering, Hotel Management |
The Complete Grade 10 Subject Summary
Here is the full picture at a glance:
| Category | Subjects | Count | Examinable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Core | English, Kiswahili/KSL, Mathematics, Community Service Learning | 4 | Yes |
| Pathway Electives | 3 subjects from your pathway (STEM / Social Sciences / Arts & Sports) | 3 | Yes |
| Non-Examinable | Physical Education, ICT | 2 | No |
| TOTAL | All subjects a Grade 10 learner engages with | 9 | 7 examined |
What About Languages Pathway?
The KICD curriculum framework originally proposed a fourth pathway — Languages — covering English Literature, Kiswahili, French, German, Mandarin, and Arabic. As of 2026, this pathway is not being offered as a separate track in most schools. Instead, language electives have been absorbed into the Social Sciences pathway or offered as additional enrichment subjects. If your child's school offers French or German as electives, ask the administration how these fit into the pathway structure.
How Are Grade 10-12 Subjects Assessed?
Senior Secondary assessment follows a similar composite model to Junior Secondary but at a higher level. The national examination at the end of Grade 12 is called the Kenya Senior School Education Assessment (KSSEA). Assessment throughout Grade 10-12 combines:
- National examination (KSSEA) — Sat at the end of Grade 12
- School-based assessment — Continuous assessment through Grade 10, 11, and 12
- Community Service Learning project assessment — Ongoing portfolio evaluation
This means that Grade 10 performance contributes to the final composite score. Your child should take Grade 10 seriously from day one.
Where to Get Grade 10 Learning Materials
The biggest challenge facing Grade 10 learners in 2026 is the severe shortage of textbooks and learning materials. Because this is the very first Grade 10 cohort under CBC (now CBE), publishers are still catching up. Many schools have received fewer than half the required textbooks.
CBC Edu Kenya is developing comprehensive Grade 10 materials for all pathways — notes, schemes of work, lesson plans, and exam papers. These are being released on a rolling basis as the curriculum unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child take subjects from a different pathway?
Generally, no. Learners must choose their 3 elective subjects from within their assigned pathway. However, some schools with sufficient resources may allow cross-pathway electives on a case-by-case basis. For example, a Social Sciences learner might be allowed to take Computer Science if the school can timetable it. Check with your specific school's administration.
Is Community Service Learning a real exam subject?
Yes. Community Service Learning (CSL) is one of the 4 compulsory core subjects and it is examinable at national level. However, it is assessed differently from traditional subjects — through project reports, reflection journals, and presentations rather than a written examination paper. Your child must complete a genuine community service project and document it properly.
How many subjects does my Grade 10 child sit for in the final exam?
Seven subjects are examined at national level in the KSSEA (end of Grade 12): English, Kiswahili/KSL, Mathematics, Community Service Learning, and the 3 pathway electives. PE and ICT are assessed internally by the school and do not appear on the national examination.
What if my child's school does not offer enough electives for their pathway?
This is a genuine concern in 2026, especially for smaller schools. Not all schools have the teachers or facilities to offer every elective in every pathway. If your child's school cannot offer a specific elective, the school should arrange for the learner to access that subject through a neighbouring school, online resources, or a cluster arrangement. Raise the issue with the school administration and the county education office if needed.