KNEC KCSE subjects selection, codes and subject groups

KNEC KCSE Subjects Codes and Groups

The Ministry of Education has authorized a maximum of 30 subjects to be offered in secondary schools in Kenya under the 8.4.4 curriculum. Schools can decide, according to manpower and resources, the list of KCSE subjects (and codes) that will be examined by KNEC.

KNEC requires a student to do at least 7 subjects (a maximum of 9) in order to be graded and awarded with a KCSE certificate.

The 7 subjects must include English, Kiswahili, Mathematics (A or B), at least 2 Sciences, at least 1 Humanity, and any other remaining in the list.

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KCPE result slip from KNEC download
KNEC KCPE Result Slip Portal.

Usually, the school decides the list of subjects to be offered hence a student does not have much choice but to select from the available list.

KCSE Subjects Assessed and their Codes

SUBJECT CODE SUBJECT NAME
101 English
102 Kiswahili
121 Mathematics Alternative A
122 Mathematics Alternative B
231 Biology
232 Physics
233 Chemistry
236 Biology for the Blind
237 General Science
311 History and Government
312 Geography
313 Christian Religious Education
314 Islamic Religious Education
315 Hindu Religious Education
441 Home Science
442 Art and Design
443 Agriculture
444 Wood Work
445 Metal Work
446 Building Construction
447 Power Mechanics
448 Electricity
449 Drawing and Design
450 Aviation Technology
451 Computer Studies
501 French
502 German
503 Arabic
504 Sign Language
511 Music
565 Business Studies

KCSE Subject Grouping and Selection Guide

Here is a guide on how the subjects in high schools are categorized in the 5 groupings:

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GROUP 1 SUBJECTS (Core Subjects)

All subjects in this group are compulsory.

  • English 101
  • Kiswahili 102
  • Mathematics A or B 121/122

GROUP 2 SUBJECTS (Sciences)

A student is required to select a minimum of two science subjects.

  • Biology 231
  • Physics 232
  • Chemistry 233
  • Biology for the Blind 236
  • General Science 237

A student picking General Science has to take Biology or Biology for the Blind as a second science subject.

GROUP 3 SUBJECTS (Humanities)

A student has to take at least one subject in this category.

  • Geography  312
  • History and Government 231
  • Christian Religious Education 313
  • Islamic Religious Education 314
  • Hindu Religious Education 315

GROUP 4 SUBJECTS (Applied Technical Subjects)

  • Computer Studies 451
  • Agriculture 443
  • Home Science 441
  • Art and Design 442
  • Woodwork 444
  • Metalwork 445
  • Building Construction 446
  • Power Mechanics 447
  • Electricity 448
  • Drawing and Design 449
  • Aviation Technology 450

GROUP 5 SUBJECTS (Languages and Others)

  • Business Studies 565
  • French 501
  • German 502
  • Arabic 503
  • Kenya Sign Language 504
  • Music 511

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