High school subjects in Kenya for the 8.4.4 curriculum comprise five common subject groups; groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. In 2017, the government introduced the CBC education system in Kenya to replace the 8-4-4 system. As of 2024, the new curriculum has been implemented in the primary level from classes 1–8. We are going to discuss all the 8.4.4 secondary school subjects in Kenya.

PAY ATTENTION. We have created a well-summarized guide detailing how to choose subjects in high school in Kenya, [Download PDF].

Subjects groupings

High school subjects in Kenya are categorized into five major groups. Group 1 consists of the compulsory subjects which are; mathematics, English, and Kiswahili. The subjects that are selected in Kenya High School are; at least two subjects in group 2, at least one subject in group 3, one subject in group 4, and one subject in group 5. Therefore according to the Kenya National Examination Council, (KNEC), there are 7 to 9 subjects subjects taught in high schools in Kenya.

GROUP (I) high school subjects

1. English (101)
2. Kiswahili (102)
3. Mathematics Option “A”, (121)
4. Mathematics Option “B”, (122)

The above subjects are compulsory in Kenyan secondary schools

GROUP (II) high school subjects

1. Biology (231)
2. Physics (232)
3. Chemistry (233)
4. Biology for the Blind (236)
5. General Science (237), taken with (122)

Learners are required to choose at least two subjects from the above subjects. the last two subjects are for special needs students.

GROUP (III) high school subjects

1. History & Government (311)
2. Geography (312)
3. Christian Religious Ed. (313)
4. Islamic Religious Ed. (314)
5. Hindu Religious Ed. (315)

Learners are required to choose at least one subject from the above subjects

GROUP (IV) high school subjects

1. Home Science (441)
2. Art & Design (442)
3. Agriculture (443)
4. Woodwork (444)
5. Metal Work (445)
6. Building Construction (446)
7. Power Mechanics (447)
8. Electricity (448)
9. Drawing & Design (449)
10. Aviation Technology (450)
11. Computer Studies (451)

Learners are required to choose one subject from the above subjects

GROUP (V) high school subjects

1. French (501)
2. German (502)
3. Arabic (503)
4. Kenya Sign Language (504)
5. Music (511)
6. Business Studies (565

Learners are required to choose one subject from the above subjects

Final thought

High school subjects in Kenya for the 8.4.4 curriculum comprise five common subject groups; groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. In 2017, Kenya introduced the new Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) to replace the 8-4-4 system. As of 2024, the new curriculum has been implemented in the primary level from classes 1–8. Group 1 consists of the compulsory subjects which are; mathematics, English, and Kiswahili. In Kenya you can choose subjects in high school as follows; at least two subjects in Group II, at least one subject in Group 3, one subject in Group 4, and one subject in Group 5. Candidates sitting for KCSE are required to take 7 to 9 subjects subjects.