Ministry Announces 2026 Grade 9 Selection Dates for 2027 Senior School Placement

The Education Ministry has released the timeline for the selection and placement of Grade 9 learners into senior schools, with learners set to begin choosing their pathways, subject combinations and preferred schools later this month. 

In a statement dated July 28, the ministry said the selection process is intended to ensure every Grade 9 learner is placed in a senior school after choosing a pathway and subject combination that aligns with their interests and career aspirations.

“ As you are aware, the Ministry of Education is rolling out the process of selection and placement of Grade 9 learners for the year 2026. This process ensures that all Grade 9 learners select Pathways, Subject Combinations and Schools and are effectively placed in senior schools in 2027,” read part of the statement.

Education Ministry Sets Start Date for Grade 9 Senior School Selection 

According to the ministry, Grade 9 learners will select their pathways, subject combinations and preferred senior schools between August 24 and September 11, 2026. 

The three-week exercise will be conducted through the ministry’s system and marks one of the final stages before learners are placed in Grade 10 next year.

In addition, the education ministry highlighted that, ahead of the selection exercise, it has scheduled a series of virtual sensitization meetings for education officials and school heads, beginning on August 3.

The first session will target Sub-County Directors of Education and Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (SCQASOs).

A photo collage of Police IG Douglas Kanja and DCI headquarters. PHOTO/NPS X.

SCQASOs will then declare Grade 10 capacities between August 4 and August 6, allowing the Ministry of Education to determine the number of learners each senior school can admit.

The education ministry also said senior school heads will update their institutions’ available pathways and subject combinations in the system between August 6 and August 8. 

Also Read: KNEC Issues New Rules for Grade 10 Subject Registration Under CBC

Virtual Sensitisation Sessions to Kick Off August 3 

It further noted that Regional Directors of Education, County Directors of Education and quality assurance officers will participate in sensitization sessions before junior school heads are trained between August 7 and August 11.

The Education ministry also said all sensitization meetings will be conducted virtually between August 3 and August 11 as part of preparations for the nationwide selection exercise.

Also Read: Ministry of Education Opens 7-Day Review Following Grade 9 Placements.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa directed regional, county and sub-county education officials to ensure that all relevant officers and heads of institutions are informed of the meetings and attend them without fail.

Grade 9 2026 Schedule

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Photo of Education Cabinet Secretary while gracing a prize-giving ceremony at Friends Gianchere Senior School on June 19
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