Applied Sciences Track

What the Applied Sciences Track Covers

Applied Sciences is the middle track of the STEM pathway. The Ministry of Education’s guidelines, citing KICD, give it three subjects: Computer Studies, Home Science and Agriculture. Where Pure Sciences asks “why does this happen?”, Applied Sciences asks “how do we use it?”: writing programs, planning nutrition, raising crops and livestock.

The Ministry’s list has 92 Applied Sciences combinations. Computer Studies appears in 54 of them, Agriculture in 53, Home Science in 29, and the complementary subjects Geography and Business Studies appear often too. Typical combinations look like Agriculture, Computer Studies and Physics; Business Studies, Computer Studies and Home Science; or Agriculture, Geography and Home Science. A few pair an applied subject with a technical one such as Electricity or Aviation.

As a STEM track, Applied Sciences comes with Core Mathematics, alongside English, Kiswahili (or Kenyan Sign Language) and Community Service Learning.

This track suits practical problem-solvers. Signs to look for in junior school: they enjoy Agriculture projects, they are the family’s go-to person for phone and computer problems, they cook or experiment in the kitchen, or they like seeing results they can touch. They need to be reasonably comfortable with Mathematics, because Core Mathematics comes with STEM, but they do not need to love abstract theory.

Applied Sciences is also a smart choice for learners who want STEM options without committing to three heavy pure sciences. Computer Studies in particular keeps a wide range of careers open.

Examples include software and web development, IT support and networking, data analysis, agribusiness, agronomy and crop science, animal health and production, food science and technology, nutrition and dietetics, hospitality and catering management, and fashion and textiles. Kenya’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and a growing tech sector, which makes this track practical. As with all tracks, KUCCPS and institutions will set entry rules for the first senior school graduates in 2028.

Applied Sciences needs a computer lab, a home science room and a school farm, depending on the subjects. Many schools with land offer Agriculture; computer labs vary more. Find schools by county in our senior school finder, then check exact combinations on the Ministry’s selection portal. Day schools charge no tuition fees, so a nearby day school with a good computer lab can be an excellent choice.

Practise Grade 9 Agriculture, Mathematics and Integrated Science, then try the CBC Challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What subjects are in the Applied Sciences track?

Computer Studies, Home Science and Agriculture, according to the Ministry’s senior school guidelines citing KICD. Geography and Business Studies are complementary STEM subjects that often appear in its combinations.

Is Applied Sciences easier than Pure Sciences?

It is different, not easier. It is more practical and project-based, but it still comes with Core Mathematics and real science content.

Can I study computer science at university from Applied Sciences?

Computer Studies is in this track, which makes it a natural route towards computing careers. Exact university requirements for the new certificate have not been fully published.

How many Applied Sciences combinations are there?

The Ministry of Education’s list has 92 Applied Sciences combinations.

• Ministry of Education, Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education (October 2025)
• Ministry of Education, Full list of senior schools’ pathways, tracks and subject combinations

Information is checked against official documents as of 18 October 2026. Where the Ministry has not yet announced something for the 2026 cohort, we say so.