Careers Per Pathway in CBC: STEM, Social Sciences, Arts and Sports

Last reviewed: 27 October 2026

Parents often ask for a simple list of careers per pathway CBC so a Grade 9 learner can choose Senior School subjects with eyes open. No pathway locks a child into one job forever, but each pathway builds different strengths. Here is a practical map you can discuss at home.

On this page

1. The Three Senior School Pathways
2. STEM Pathway: Example Careers
3. Social Sciences Pathway: Example Careers
4. Arts and Sports Science: Example Careers
5. How to Use This List Without Panic
6. Frequently Asked Questions

The Three Senior School Pathways

Senior School (Grades 10–12) under Competency Based Education offers three pathways: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Social Sciences; and Arts and Sports Science. The Ministry of Education’s placement platforms—including KEMIS Selection and Placement and the pathways pages on selection.education.go.ke—guide learners to choose a pathway, subject combination and schools. Implementation guidance for Senior School restates these three pathways as the structure for Grades 10–12.

STEM Pathway: Example Careers

STEM suits learners who enjoy maths, sciences, making and fixing, or digital work. Tracks often include pure sciences and applied or technical options, depending on the school.

• Medicine, nursing, clinical medicine, pharmacy (strong biology and chemistry).
• Engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics)—maths and physics matter.
• Computer science, software development, data and ICT support.
• Architecture and built environment (check specific university subject rules).
• Agriculture, food science, environmental science.
• Technical trades and technician routes linked to industrial attachment.

For medicine-oriented subject choices, see Grade 10 subjects for medicine.

Social Sciences Pathway: Example Careers

Social Sciences fits learners who like languages, history, business, people and society.

• Law, public administration, diplomacy (see pathway subjects for law).
• Business, accounting, entrepreneurship, supply chain.
• Teaching (languages, humanities), journalism and communication.
• Psychology, social work, community development.
• Tourism, hospitality management, human resources.

Arts and Sports Science: Example Careers

This pathway covers creative arts and sports-related tracks such as fine arts, theatre and film, music and dance, sports and recreation, and physical education, as outlined in Senior School subject-combination materials from the Ministry.

• Performing arts, film, music production, creative design.
• Fine arts, illustration, animation, fashion and interior design pathways.
• Sports coaching, fitness, sports science and physical education teaching.
• Media production and event management roles that value performance skills.

Talent alone is not enough: learners still need the core literacy and numeracy their school requires, plus discipline for portfolios and trials.

How to Use This List Without Panic

1. Start from interests and recent school performance, not from neighbour pressure.
2. Check the subject combination the target senior school actually offers.
3. Read university or TVET entry notes early—requirements change, so verify on official sites when the learner nears Grade 12.
4. Remember careers can pivot: a Social Sciences learner can still move into business analytics later with the right bridging skills.

For a structured family decision, use our choosing a senior school pathway guide, how parents can help a Grade 9 learner choose, and the paid CBC Pathway Report or Grade 10 Pathway Bootcamp. Core versus electives are explained in Grade 10 subjects explained.

Frequently Asked Questions