The Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI) has launched a nationwide capacity-buildng programme for Heads of Institutions and junior school career guidance teachers ahead of the Grade 10 selection under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. The training runs from 17th August to 12th September, 2026, and is designed to equip schools to guide Grade 9 learners through pathway choices and the new eight‑school selection cap.
Key Takeaways
- Purpose: KEMI training prepares HoIs and career teachers to support learners during the Grade 10 selection process.
- Dates: Physical and virtual sessions run from 17 August to 12 September, 2026; the selection portal opens on 24 August.
- Support: Transport reimbursements and daily lunch allowances will be provided to physical participants; HoIs attend virtually.
- Main focus: Interpreting learner portfolios, counselling parents, and aligning pathway choices with Senior School curriculum options including STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports Science.
Why this KEMI training matters for Grade 10 selection
The Grade 10 selection is a pivotal decision that steers students into Senior School pathways and influences tertiary and career options. Under CBE, pathway choice begins earlier, so schools must have functioning career guidance desks and trained staff to interpret assessment data, profile learner strengths, and advise on realistic school selections. This KEMI training standardises those competencies across counties.
What the official circular says
The KEMI circular dated 11th August, 2026 instructs county directors to implement the training schedule and confirms that transport reimbursement and lunch allowances will be provided to participants attending physical workshops. Heads of Institutions will join through virtual sessions to avoid disruption during school reopening. For administrative enquiries KEMI listed a contact point for county offices.
Training focus areas
- Career guidance techniques: How to build and interpret learner portfolios, including formative assessments and co‑curricular evidence.
- Pathway and subject alignment: Matching student strengths to Senior School tracks (STEM, Social Sciences, Arts & Sports Science).
- Selection strategy: Advising on the eight‑school selection cap and realistic placement choices to minimise appeals and placement gaps.
- Parent and community engagement: Communicating CBE pathways and addressing biases against vocational or arts choices.
Regional schedule summary
KEMI organised physical workshops by region and county to reach junior school leaders and career teachers. Below are sample venue slots from the published timetable:
- Coast Region
- Kilifi: St. Johns Girls Secondary School Kaloleni — 27–28 August, 2026
- Mombasa: Aldina Visram Secondary School — 31 August–1 September, 2026
- Kwale (batches): Ramisi Boys, Matuga Girls, Samburu Boys — early to mid September, 2026
- Taita Taveta: Timbila Day Primary & Junior School — 17–18 August; CDF Hall Mwatate — 20–21 August, 2026
- Eastern Region
- Makueni cluster: multiple venues (St Joseph Kibwezi, Makindu Boys, Makueni Boys, Nduluku Boys, ABC Mayani, Mbooni Girls) across 24 August–11 September, 2026
- Tharaka Nithi: Tharaka Boys & Kathituni Primary — 17–21 August, 2026
- Embu: Embu County Secondary, Siakago Girls and Mutus cluster — late August to early September, 2026
Logistics and financial provisions
KEMI confirmed transport reimbursement and a daily lunch allowance for physical participants. County Directors are responsible for timely payments to eligible teachers. Heads of Institutions will attend via virtual sessions with schedules and connection details issued separately.
Concerns: the eight‑school selection cap
Stakeholders report that current placements may limit each learner to selecting eight senior schools, down from twelve in earlier cohorts. This raises anxiety over competitiveness and the importance of accurate profiling. The training emphasises realistic ranking strategies and accurate calculation of a learner’s competitive index to improve placement outcomes under the tighter cap.
Recommendations from stakeholders
- Improve digital resilience: Ensure reliable internet and power for HoIs participating virtually, especially in remote counties.
- Ongoing mentorship: Complement workshops with online toolkits and peer networks for continuous support after the training.
- Parent sensitisation: Equip trained teachers with clear messages and materials to help parents understand pathways and selection limits.
How schools can prepare now
School leaders and career teachers should review Senior School curriculum guidance and build or update learner portfolios. Useful resources include curriculum designs and teaching notes for Junior and Senior School levels to guide pathway counselling. For example, review the Grade 10 curriculum designs, consult JSS teaching notes for career guidance approaches, and check senior school curriculum designs to match pathways with subject choices.
Conclusion
The KEMI nationwide training is timed to support a smooth Grade 10 selection under CBE by standardising career guidance skills across counties, providing logistical support for participation, and helping schools adapt to the eight‑school selection cap. County directors, school principals and designated career teachers who fully engage with the training and follow up with parents and learners will be best placed to guide Grade 9 students into Senior School pathways that match their strengths and future opportunities.
