Millions of learners set to begin national assessments under CBC

The examinations—marking the first national assessment under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)—will involve Grade Six pupils sitting for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Grade Nine learners taking the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).

At Kari Primary School in Kisii County, the mood on the eve of the exams was one of optimism and readiness. The institution, the most populous in the county, will present nearly 300 candidates for both the KJSEA and KPSEA.

“Our teachers have been very supportive, and we’ve done extensive revision. We’re confident we’ll be among the top schools nationally,” said Moraa Abigael, the school’s president and one of the candidates.

Headteacher Abed Maseno expressed confidence in the school’s preparedness.

“As you can see, the learners are finalizing their preparations. We are ready for both the KJSEA and KPSEA,” he said.

Among the candidates at the school is Caleb Nyabuto, a determined learner living with paralysis after suffering a spinal injury from a fall several years ago. Despite his condition, Caleb has remained committed to his studies and is ready to sit for his assessment.

“Tutahakikisha anafika shuleni kwa muda wakati wa mtihani, atafanya vyema (We’ll ensure he gets to school on time for the exams; he’ll perform well),” said his parent.

Caleb is one of the 2.4 million learners across Kenya who will participate in the national assessments this week. For the first time, Junior Secondary learners will be assessed for placement into Senior School, marking a significant milestone in the CBC’s rollout.

Under the previous 8-4-4 system, pupils sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination in Class Eight before proceeding to Form One. The CBC structure now sees learners transition to Senior School in Grade Ten.

Headteacher Maseno noted key differences in the new system.

“Unlike the KCPE, which was purely multiple choice, the KJSEA will feature both structured and objective questions,” he said.

Maxwell Academy Director Thomas Nyagaka added that the CBC system has reduced exam-related anxiety among learners.

“There’s less pressure now because the assessments are not ranked. The learners are calm and more focused,” he observed.

The assessments will run for six days, with candidates sitting two papers each morning. KJSEA learners will be tested in 12 learning areas, while KPSEA candidates will cover five subjects over three days.