📘 CBC STEM Subjects Explained: What Each One Covers (2025 Edition)

Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is transforming education by aligning learning with real-world skills and career opportunities. At the heart of this transformation is the STEM pathway—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—which prepares learners for the demands of a modern, tech-driven economy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore each STEM subject offered under CBC, their objectives, real-life applications, and how platforms like SmartExaminers support both learners and educators with assessments and marking schemes.

🧭 What Is the STEM Pathway in CBC?

Under CBC, Senior School (Grades 10–12) is structured into three main pathways:

• 🎨 Arts and Sports Science
• 🧑‍🏫 Social Sciences
• 🧪 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

The STEM pathway is designed to:

• 💡 Foster innovation and problem-solving skills
• 🛠️ Equip learners with practical competencies for industrial and technological fields
• 👩‍💼 Prepare students for careers in science, engineering, ICT, and related sectors

According to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), the STEM pathway is further categorized into:

• 🧬 Pure Sciences
• 🌱 Applied Sciences
• 🏗️ Technical and Engineering
• 💻 Careers & Technology Studies

Each category encompasses specific subjects tailored to equip learners with relevant skills and knowledge.

📚 Core STEM Subjects in CBC

Learners pursuing the STEM pathway can select from a range of subjects, each offering unique insights and skills.

🔬 Pure Sciences

• Mathematics / Advanced Mathematics
  Develops analytical and problem-solving skills essential for various scientific and technological fields.

• Biology
  Explores living organisms, their functions, and interactions, laying the groundwork for careers in health and environmental sciences.

• Chemistry
  Focuses on the composition, properties, and reactions of matter, crucial for industries like pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.

• Physics
  Examines the principles governing matter and energy, foundational for engineering and technological innovations.

• General Science
  Provides an integrated approach to scientific concepts, fostering a holistic understanding of the natural world.

🛠️ Applied Sciences & Technical Subjects

• Agriculture
  Imparts knowledge on modern farming techniques, agribusiness, and sustainable practices.

• Computer Studies
  Introduces learners to computing concepts, programming, and digital literacy.

• Home Science
  Covers nutrition, family health, and resource management, promoting well-being and self-reliance.

• Drawing and Design
  Enhances creativity and technical drawing skills, essential in architecture and engineering.

• Aviation Technology
  Provides insights into aircraft operations and maintenance, preparing learners for aviation careers.

• Building and Construction
  Teaches construction techniques, materials, and project management.

• Electrical Technology
  Focuses on electrical systems, circuits, and safety protocols.

• Metal Technology
  Covers metalwork processes, fabrication, and welding skills.

• Power Mechanics
  Explores mechanical systems, engines, and maintenance procedures.

• Wood Technology
  Teaches woodworking techniques, joinery, and furniture design.

• Media Technology
  Introduces media production, communication technologies, and digital content creation.

• Marine and Fisheries Technology
  Focuses on aquatic ecosystems, fishing techniques, and marine conservation.

🧑‍💻 How SmartExaminers Supports STEM Learners

SmartExaminers is an innovative platform that aids both learners and educators in the CBC framework by:

• 📄 Providing customized CBC assessment exams tailored to each STEM subject
• 🧾 Offering detailed marking schemes to guide educators in fair and consistent evaluation
• 📊 Facilitating performance tracking to monitor learner progress and identify areas for improvement
• 📚 Ensuring alignment with KICD guidelines, maintaining curriculum integrity and relevance

Whether you're a teacher preparing learners for CBC exams or a student trying to understand STEM better, SmartExaminers offers tools to simplify the process.

🎯 Career Opportunities in STEM

Pursuing the STEM pathway opens doors to a multitude of career options, including:

• 🏗️ Engineering Fields: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software Engineering
• 🩺 Health Sciences: Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical Research
• 💻 Information Technology: Software Development, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis
• 🌱 Environmental Sciences: Ecology, Conservation, Renewable Energy
• 🌾 Agricultural Sciences: Agri-business, Food Technology, Sustainable Farming
• ⚙️ Technical Trades: Construction, Automotive Mechanics, Electrical Installation

These careers not only contribute to personal development but also support Kenya’s Vision 2030 through industrial growth and technological advancement.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔎 What are the STEM subjects in CBC?

The STEM subjects in CBC include Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science, Agriculture, Computer Studies, Home Science, Drawing and Design, Aviation Technology, Building and Construction, Electrical Technology, Metal Technology, Power Mechanics, Wood Technology, Media Technology, and Marine and Fisheries Technology.

🔎 Which courses are in the STEM pathway in Kenya?

Courses in the STEM pathway encompass Pure Sciences (e.g., Mathematics, Biology), Applied Sciences (e.g., Agriculture, Computer Studies), Technical and Engineering subjects (e.g., Electrical Technology, Building and Construction), and Careers & Technology Studies (e.g., Media Technology).

🔎 What careers can CBC STEM students pursue?

CBC STEM students can pursue a wide range of careers, including engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical), health sciences (medicine, nursing, pharmacy), information technology (software development, data analysis), environmental sciences (ecology, renewable energy), agricultural sciences (agribusiness, food technology), and technical trades (construction, automotive mechanics, electrical installation). These careers align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals for industrialization and technological advancement.

🔎 What are STEM schools in Kenya?

STEM schools in Kenya are institutions that focus on delivering education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics subjects. They provide specialized facilities, curricula, and teaching methodologies to prepare students for STEM-related careers. These schools aim to nurture innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among learners.

🧠 Conclusion: Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

The CBC STEM pathway offers Kenyan learners a robust foundation in scientific and technological disciplines, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

By embracing this pathway, students position themselves at the forefront of innovation, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Platforms like SmartExaminers play a pivotal role in this journey by providing tailored assessments and resources that align with the CBC framework, ensuring that both learners and educators are well-supported.

As Kenya continues to invest in STEM education, the nation moves closer to realizing its Vision 2030 goals, fostering a generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.

📌 For detailed information on the CBC STEM subjects and pathways, refer to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) official publications and guidelines.