Kenya National Curriculum

The National Curriculum is designed to meet the educational needs of students at different grade levels. Use the filters below to explore the curriculum standards for different subjects and grades.

Official Curriculum Resources:
Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Ministry of Education Kenya National Examinations Council

Explore Curriculum

Mathematics

Grade 1

  • Count, read, and write numbers from 1 to 100
  • Identify place value of units and tens in two-digit numbers
  • Perform addition and subtraction of numbers up to 30
  • Recognize basic geometric shapes (circles, triangles, rectangles)
  • Measure length using non-standard units

Grade 2

  • Count, read, and write numbers from 1 to 200
  • Perform addition and subtraction of numbers up to 50
  • Recognize patterns and sequences
  • Measure weight using non-standard units
  • Identify Kenyan coins and notes and their values

Grade 3

  • Count, read, and write numbers up to 1000
  • Perform the four basic operations with numbers up to 100
  • Recognize and compare fractions
  • Tell time using analog clocks
  • Collect and organize simple data in tables

Grade 4

  • Read and write numbers up to 10,000
  • Perform the four operations with numbers up to 1000
  • Work with simple decimals and fractions
  • Calculate perimeter of simple shapes
  • Interpret data from simple graphs and charts

Grade 5

  • Read and write numbers up to 100,000
  • Perform operations with fractions and decimals
  • Calculate area of rectangles and squares
  • Measure and convert standard units
  • Collect, organize, and interpret data using various charts

Grade 6

  • Read and write numbers up to 1,000,000
  • Calculate percentages, ratios, and proportions
  • Understand and calculate volumes of cubes and cuboids
  • Apply mathematical concepts to solve real-life problems
  • Conduct basic probability experiments

Grade 7

  • Work with integers and rational numbers
  • Solve linear equations and inequalities
  • Calculate angles and properties of geometric shapes
  • Apply transformations (reflection, rotation, translation)
  • Represent and interpret data using frequency tables

Grade 8

  • Work with indices and scientific notation
  • Solve simultaneous linear equations
  • Apply Pythagoras' theorem
  • Calculate surface area and volume of 3D shapes
  • Understand and use measures of central tendency

Grade 9

  • Solve quadratic equations
  • Work with different types of functions and relations
  • Apply trigonometric ratios
  • Calculate measures of dispersion
  • Understand probability and statistics principles

Grade 10

  • Apply matrix operations
  • Understand logarithms and exponential functions
  • Apply advanced trigonometry concepts
  • Work with vectors in 2D
  • Analyze correlation and regression

Grade 11

  • Apply calculus fundamentals (differentiation)
  • Work with complex numbers
  • Apply advanced statistics and probability
  • Understand linear programming
  • Solve problems using vectors in 3D

Grade 12

  • Apply integration techniques
  • Solve differential equations
  • Apply advanced calculus in real-world scenarios
  • Understand and apply discrete mathematics
  • Prepare for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations

English

Grade 1

  • Listen and respond to simple instructions
  • Identify and write letters of the alphabet
  • Read and understand simple words and sentences
  • Speak clearly using simple vocabulary
  • Write simple words and phrases

Grade 2

  • Listen attentively to stories and respond appropriately
  • Read simple texts with understanding
  • Use basic punctuation marks correctly
  • Speak using complete sentences
  • Write simple guided compositions

Grade 3

  • Listen critically to spoken text and identify key details
  • Read fluently with comprehension
  • Use appropriate vocabulary in speech and writing
  • Apply basic grammar rules correctly
  • Write creative and factual compositions

Grade 4

  • Listen critically to spoken text and make inferences
  • Read texts from various genres with understanding
  • Use a variety of sentence structures in speaking and writing
  • Apply grammar rules correctly in different contexts
  • Write well-structured compositions independently

Grade 5

  • Listen critically to debates and discussions
  • Read and analyze various literary genres
  • Use figurative language appropriately
  • Speak with clarity and confidence in different contexts
  • Write well-structured essays with clear arguments

Grade 6

  • Listen, analyze, and evaluate oral presentations
  • Read critically with analysis and interpretation
  • Speak persuasively in formal and informal contexts
  • Use advanced grammar structures correctly
  • Write essays for different purposes and audiences

Grade 7

  • Analyze and evaluate oral presentations
  • Read and analyze literary texts for style and content
  • Use language creatively and persuasively
  • Apply critical thinking in discussions
  • Write formal and informal texts for different purposes

Grade 8

  • Listen critically and analyze complex oral texts
  • Read and analyze literary devices in texts
  • Deliver formal presentations and speeches
  • Participate effectively in debates and discussions
  • Write analytical essays and creative compositions

Grade 9

  • Evaluate oral texts for bias and propaganda
  • Analyze and interpret complex literary works
  • Apply rhetorical strategies in speech and writing
  • Use research skills in writing projects
  • Develop argumentative writing skills

Grade 10

  • Analyze and evaluate speeches and debates
  • Read critically across different literary traditions
  • Apply advanced language analysis skills
  • Develop critical and creative thinking through language
  • Write sophisticated analytical and persuasive texts

Grade 11

  • Analyze complex oral texts from various cultural contexts
  • Evaluate literary works from diverse historical periods
  • Apply advanced research and citation techniques
  • Develop proficiency in formal and academic language
  • Write extended research papers and analytical essays

Grade 12

  • Analyze and evaluate complex oral and written texts
  • Read and interpret sophisticated literary works
  • Apply critical theory to text analysis
  • Develop advanced communication skills for academic and professional contexts
  • Prepare for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations

Science

Grade 1

  • Identify parts of the human body and their functions
  • Recognize common plants and animals in the environment
  • Understand the importance of personal hygiene
  • Observe and describe weather patterns
  • Identify sources of light and sound

Grade 2

  • Understand the basic needs of living things
  • Recognize the properties of different materials
  • Identify various food sources and their importance
  • Understand the water cycle
  • Identify different types of energy

Grade 3

  • Understand plant and animal life cycles
  • Classify materials based on their properties
  • Understand the importance of balanced diet
  • Identify simple machines and their uses
  • Understand the solar system

Grade 4

  • Understand the human digestive system
  • Identify adaptations in plants and animals
  • Understand soil composition and conservation
  • Recognize energy transformations
  • Understand electrical circuits

Grade 5

  • Understand the respiratory and circulatory systems
  • Identify environmental pollution and conservation
  • Understand forces and motion
  • Recognize properties of light and sound
  • Understand weather and climate

Grade 6

  • Understand the human reproductive system
  • Identify interdependence in ecosystems
  • Understand chemical and physical changes
  • Apply principles of electricity and magnetism
  • Understand the Earth's structure and processes

Grade 7

  • Understand cell structure and function
  • Apply principles of classification of living things
  • Understand principles of nutrition in plants and animals
  • Identify properties of matter and atomic structure
  • Apply concepts of force, work, and energy

Grade 8

  • Understand transport systems in living things
  • Apply principles of ecology and environment
  • Understand chemical bonding and reactions
  • Apply concepts of heat transfer
  • Understand waves and wave phenomena

Grade 9

  • Understand genetics and inheritance
  • Apply principles of evolution and adaptation
  • Understand chemical formulae and equations
  • Apply concepts of current electricity
  • Understand earth and space science

Grade 10

  • Understand human health and disease
  • Apply concepts of ecology and environmental conservation
  • Understand organic chemistry principles
  • Apply concepts of electromagnetism
  • Understand radioactivity and nuclear physics

Grade 11

  • Apply advanced biology concepts to human systems
  • Understand biochemistry and molecular biology
  • Apply principles of chemical analysis and synthesis
  • Apply concepts of mechanics and thermodynamics
  • Understand earth's resources and their management

Grade 12

  • Apply specialized biology concepts
  • Understand advanced chemistry topics
  • Apply advanced physics principles
  • Understand innovative applications of science and technology
  • Prepare for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations

Social Studies

Grade 1

  • Identify members of the family and their roles
  • Recognize the school environment and its importance
  • Understand basic concepts of time
  • Identify different types of homes
  • Recognize national symbols of Kenya

Grade 2

  • Understand relationships within extended family
  • Recognize community helpers and their roles
  • Identify neighborhood and community features
  • Understand basic map reading skills
  • Recognize basic needs of people

Grade 3

  • Understand cultural diversity in Kenya
  • Identify physical features in the local environment
  • Recognize means of transport and communication
  • Understand basic economic activities
  • Identify leadership roles in communities

Grade 4

  • Understand counties and regions of Kenya
  • Recognize major landforms and water bodies in Kenya
  • Identify economic activities in different regions of Kenya
  • Understand citizenship rights and responsibilities
  • Recognize the structure of county government

Grade 5

  • Understand the history of Kenya (pre-colonial)
  • Recognize the physical features of East Africa
  • Identify major economic activities in East Africa
  • Understand democracy and governance
  • Recognize natural resources and their conservation

Grade 6

  • Understand colonial history of Kenya
  • Recognize the physical features of Africa
  • Identify major economic activities in Africa
  • Understand the structure of national government
  • Recognize international organizations in Africa

Grade 7

  • Understand post-independence history of Kenya
  • Apply advanced map reading and interpretation skills
  • Identify climate patterns and their effects on human activities
  • Understand Kenya's international relations
  • Recognize the importance of social cohesion

Grade 8

  • Understand political developments in Kenya since independence
  • Apply concepts of population growth and distribution
  • Identify patterns of trade and commerce
  • Understand human rights and their protection
  • Recognize environmental challenges and conservation efforts

Grade 9

  • Understand world history (ancient civilizations)
  • Apply concepts of global physical geography
  • Identify global economic systems
  • Understand principles of governance and democracy
  • Recognize global citizenship responsibilities

Grade 10

  • Understand world history (medieval to modern)
  • Apply concepts of climate change and environmental sustainability
  • Identify global economic interdependence
  • Understand international law and human rights
  • Recognize conflict resolution and peacebuilding strategies

Grade 11

  • Apply advanced historical analysis methods
  • Understand geopolitical issues and international relations
  • Identify development challenges and strategies
  • Apply concepts of governance and public administration
  • Recognize principles of social justice and equality

Grade 12

  • Apply specialized concepts in history and government
  • Understand advanced geography topics
  • Identify emerging global issues and their impact
  • Apply principles of civic education and social ethics
  • Prepare for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations
About the Curriculum Standards

The curriculum standards displayed on this page are sourced directly from the official national curriculum documents published by:

  • Kenya: The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Ministry of Education, and Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)

These standards are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure alignment with the latest official curriculum guidelines. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, please visit the official websites linked above.