The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has published a clear roadmap for Senior School assessments that will determine the Kenya Certificate of Basic Education (KCBE). The new Competency-Based Assessment model replaces a single final exam with a combination of school-based work and a summative test, using a single Assessment Number that follows learners from Grade 3 through Grade 12.
Key Takeaways
- KCBE will use a cumulative score across Grades 10–12 rather than a one-off exam.
- Students will keep the same Assessment Number received in Grade 3 — a digital passport tracking progress.
- The final grade follows a 15% (Grade 10) + 15% (Grade 11) + 70% (Grade 12) split.
- Teachers must upload evidence and complete online training on the KNEC Learning Management System.
Digital passport: one assessment number for KCBE tracking
KNEC requires Grade 10 learners to register using the Assessment Number they were assigned in Grade 3. This single identifier acts as a digital record of a learner’s performance across the 12-year basic education cycle. Schools must present a stamped KJSEA performance report when registering students for Senior School assessments.
KCBE grading: the 15-15-70 formula
The KCBE final result will combine school-based and summative assessments. The weighting is:
- Grade 10 SBA: 15%
- Grade 11 SBA: 15%
- Grade 12 Summative Assessment: 70%
This change means that projects, practicals and term tests in Grades 10 and 11 now directly affect KCBE outcomes. Students and parents should plan a consistent, three-year preparation strategy focused on competency demonstration rather than last-minute revision.
Grade 10 timeline: projects, practicals and written tests
For the pioneer Grade 10 cohort, KNEC has set specific deadlines and activity windows. Schools must administer projects and practicals from May to September 2026, with written assessments scheduled in Term III ending on October 15, 2026. All scores must be uploaded to the KNEC Senior School portal and backed by physical evidence kept by the teacher for verification.
Teacher training and assessment quality assurance
KNEC has established an online Learning Management System to train Senior School teachers on Competency-Based Assessment (CBA). Teachers should access the training to learn scoring standards, evidence requirements, and how to upload SBA records. Proper training will help ensure consistent, reliable scoring across schools and protect the integrity of the KCBE process.
2027 pilot and what to expect next
The council will pilot the Senior School summative assessment in 2027 when the pioneer group reaches Grade 11. This pilot aims to identify and fix operational issues before the first KCBE summative examinations in Grade 12. Schools should use the pilot period to refine their SBA processes and verify that evidence-gathering systems are robust.
What principals, teachers and parents must do now
- Register Grade 10 learners within the KNEC registration window and submit a stamped KJSEA report where required.
- Schedule and document projects and practicals between May and September, and plan written tests for Term III.
- Ensure teachers complete the KNEC online training and retain physical evidence for verification.
- Adopt assessment calendars and internal moderation to align with the 15-15-70 KCBE structure.
Resources and helpful curriculum links
Teachers and school leaders can use available curriculum and exam resources to align school-based assessments with national standards. For Grade 10 curriculum guidance, see the free Grade 10 curriculum designs. Schools preparing materials and sample assessments can refer to the senior school curriculum designs. For practice and formative tests that reflect CBC-style assessment, consult the free CBC exams.
The move to a competency-based KCBE places value on continuous demonstration of skills and knowledge. Early planning, careful documentation, and teacher training will be essential to help learners succeed under the new assessment model.
