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.
Read: How to Check KCPE Results.
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:
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
Read: Courses You Can do With a D+, D or D-