KJSEA School Placement: A Complete Guide for Parents and Learners

The Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) represents a pivotal moment in Kenya’s education system, marking the transition of learners from junior to senior secondary school under the Competency-Based Curriculum. For over 1.1 million Grade 9 students who sat the inaugural KJSEA examination, understanding the school placement process is crucial for a smooth transition into Grade 10.

Understanding the KJSEA Placement System

The KJSEA placement process is fully automated and designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and equity in assigning learners to senior secondary schools. Unlike previous examination systems that relied solely on test scores, the KJSEA placement considers multiple factors to match students with appropriate educational pathways and institutions.

The placement calculation incorporates 20 percent from the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, 20 percent from School-Based Assessments conducted in Grades 7 and 8, and 60 percent from a summative assessment administered at Grade 9. This comprehensive approach ensures that a learner’s entire educational journey is considered, not just a single examination performance.

The system also takes into account learner preferences, psychometric test results that help identify strengths and interests, equity considerations to ensure fair distribution across regions, and the capacity of senior schools to accommodate students in various pathways.

How to Check Your School Placement

The Ministry of Education has made the placement results accessible through two convenient methods, ensuring that all families can access information regardless of their internet connectivity.

Online Portal Method: Parents and learners can visit the official Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) portal at https://placement.education.go.ke/ or https://selection.education.go.ke/my-selections. Simply enter the learner’s KNEC assessment number to view the assigned senior school, pathway, and other relevant details. The portal is mobile-friendly and can be accessed from smartphones, tablets, or computers.

SMS Method: For those without reliable internet access, send the learner’s KNEC assessment number via SMS to 22263. This service costs Ksh 30 per message and provides instant information about the assigned school. This option is particularly valuable for families in rural areas or those without smartphones.

The Three Educational Pathways

Under the Competency-Based Education framework, senior secondary school offers three specialized pathways designed to align with learner interests and demonstrated competencies. Each pathway leads to meaningful career opportunities and further education.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway includes pure sciences, applied sciences, and technical studies. In the 2025 KJSEA cohort, 59.09 percent of candidates demonstrated potential to pursue this pathway.

The Social Sciences pathway covers languages and literature, humanities, and business studies, with 46.52 percent of learners showing aptitude in this area.

The Arts and Sports Science pathway encompasses creative arts and sports, attracting 48.73 percent of the cohort.

Regardless of pathway, all learners will study seven subjects: four core subjects including English, Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language, Community Service Learning, and Physical Education, plus three electives from their chosen pathway.

Making Changes: The Revision Window

Recognizing that initial placements may not always align perfectly with learner preferences or circumstances, the Ministry of Education provides a revision window. The placement portal remains open for seven days to enable learners to revise their choices, during which candidates who feel uncomfortable with their assigned pathway or school can reapply, subject to available space and merit.

During this period, learners can switch pathways if they meet the required criteria and space is available in their preferred option. All revision requests must be submitted through the learner’s junior school, which acts as the intermediary in the process.

To request a transfer, school administrators log into the placement portal, navigate to the transfer request section, select the specific learner, choose the new preferred school and pathway, provide justification for the transfer, and submit the request for processing.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Grade 10 learners are expected to report to their respective senior schools on January 12, 2026. This allows adequate time for families to prepare for the transition, including arranging accommodation for those attending boarding schools and purchasing necessary learning materials.

The revision window typically opens within days of the initial placement announcement and remains active for approximately one week. Parents should monitor official Ministry of Education communications for exact dates and any updates to the timeline.

Kenya’s Capacity to Accommodate All Learners

One concern that often arises during placement exercises is whether the education system has adequate capacity to accommodate all transitioning learners. Kenya currently has 9,540 senior schools with a total capacity of 2.2 million learners, providing sufficient space for the current cohort and future transitions.

The system is designed to ensure that every qualified learner secures placement in a senior secondary school, though not all learners may receive their first choice of institution. This is where the revision window becomes particularly important, allowing for adjustments based on capacity and learner preferences.

Tips for Parents and Learners

When checking placement results, always use official channels—either the KEMIS portal or the official SMS service. Be wary of fraudulent individuals claiming they can alter results or guarantee specific placements for payment. The placement process is automated and cannot be manipulated through unofficial channels.

Keep your learner’s assessment number secure and readily accessible, as you’ll need it to check results and make any necessary revisions. If you’re dissatisfied with the initial placement, act quickly during the revision window and work through your junior school’s administration.

Understanding your child’s strengths and interests helps in making informed decisions about pathway selection during the revision period if needed. Consider practical factors such as distance from home, school facilities, and the quality of education in the chosen pathway when evaluating placement options.

The KJSEA placement process represents a significant step forward in creating an equitable, transparent, and learner-centered education system in Kenya. By understanding how the process works and knowing where to access information, parents and learners can navigate this transition with confidence.