The Kenya National Examinations Council has released a circular outlining the administration schedule and guidelines for the 2026 KNEC CBA projects and performance tasks for Grades 3, 7 and 8, as well as stage-based curriculum levels. Schools must access the CBA portal, administer the projects from the specified date, and upload learner scores by the set deadline.
Key Takeaways
- All schools will access and download project tasks from the KNEC CBA projects portal starting 4th May 2026.
- Final date to upload scores for Grades 3, 7 and 8 and stage-based curriculum assessments is 31st July 2026.
- Headteachers must use the portal (https://cba.knec.ac.ke) and resolve password issues using the “forgot password” option.
- Teachers should assess learners using the provided scoring guides and keep records and evidence of assessments.
- Materials for tasks should be sourced from the immediate school environment or improvised.
KNEC CBA projects: Deadlines and subjects
The circular specifies when schools will access the tasks and the last date to upload scores. Schools will access tasks on 4th May 2026, and the last date to upload learner scores is 31st July 2026. The affected grades and areas are:
- Grade 3 — Integrated Learning Assessment
- Grade 7 — Agriculture; Creative Arts and Sports; Integrated Science
- Grade 8 — Agriculture; Creative Arts and Sports; Integrated Science
- Foundation Level — Integrated Learning Assessment
- Intermediate Level — Communication and Social Skills; Daily Living Skills and Religious Education; Sensory Motor Integration; Creative Activities; Numeracy Activities; Movement Activities
- Prevocational Level — Prevocational skills; Communication and functional literacy; Daily living skills and nutrition; Music and movement; Physical education; Social studies; Religious Education
How to access and submit on the CBA portal
Headteachers must log in at https://cba.knec.ac.ke. If a school cannot log in, use the portal’s forgot password function to reset access. A detailed user manual on the portal explains how to download tasks, follow instructions, apply scoring guides, and upload scores.
- Log in as Headteacher and navigate to the School Based Assessment section.
- Download the task files and scoring guides for the relevant grade or stage.
- Subject teachers assess learners during the tasks, score them according to the guide, and submit scores to the portal within the deadline.
- Keep copies of all assessment records and evidence at the school for verification.
Assessment rules and teacher responsibilities
Subject teachers must assess learners as they undertake the tasks and score them using the provided guidelines. Heads of institutions are asked to keep all records and evidence from the assessments for future verification or audit. Schools should obtain assessment materials from the immediate school environment or improvise where necessary, to ensure equity and practicality.
- Follow the scoring rubrics exactly to ensure consistency.
- Document learner work (photos, notes, worksheets) and store evidence securely.
- Ensure special needs learners have necessary support during performance tasks.
Practical tips for smooth administration
Plan early: schedule time for teachers to review the user manual and scoring guides before assessments begin. Allocate roles — who downloads tasks, who coordinates assessments, who uploads scores. Test portal access and internet connectivity ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute problems.
- Run a mock upload to confirm you understand the portal process.
- Use readily available materials or improvised resources to complete tasks.
- Keep a physical and digital log of scores and supporting evidence.
Resources and further preparation
Schools and teachers preparing for the KNEC CBA projects may find curriculum and exam practice materials useful. For example, teachers can access sample CBC exams and practice papers for early grades, curriculum designs, and lesson plans to integrate project work into classroom teaching:
- Grade 3 CBC practice exams and tasks — useful for preparing learners for integrated learning assessments.
- CBC curriculum designs — to align project activities with learning outcomes and assessment standards.
- CBC lesson plans and teaching notes — to build lessons that prepare learners for performance tasks and practical assessments.
Final checklist before submission
- Confirm all learners’ scores have been entered on the portal before 31st July 2026.
- Ensure scoring follows the KNEC guidelines and rubrics.
- Keep organized, dated evidence for each learner’s assessment.
- Assign a staff member to verify the uploaded scores and keep a confirmation receipt or screenshot.
Following these guidelines will help schools complete the 2026 KNEC CBA projects on time and in compliance with the Council’s requirements. For successful administration, prepare materials early, familiarise staff with the portal instructions, and keep thorough records of all assessments.
