The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has opened the process for KNEC Grade 10 registration, moving the pioneer cohort into the Senior School Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) system. This registration links each learner’s earlier Assessment Number to their senior school records and prepares schools to deliver School-Based Assessments (SBA) in Grades 10 and 11.
Key Takeaways
- KNEC Grade 10 registration creates a digital profile for each learner using the Assessment Number issued in Grade 3.
- Schools must be registered as Senior School CBA centres before registering learners.
- Grade 10 SBAs include projects, practicals and written tests to be completed and uploaded by October 15, 2026.
- Grades 10 and 11 SBAs contribute 15% each to the final Kenya Certificate of Basic Education (KCBE); Grade 12 summative assessment contributes 70%.
Overview of the registration process
KNEC’s registration for Grade 10 learners is a key step in implementing the Competency-Based Assessment approach at Senior School. Schools already registered as CBA centres can now add Grade 10 learners to the national database. The registration links the learner’s historical records to their senior school profile using an existing Assessment Number, ensuring continuity from primary to senior levels.
What schools must do for learner registration
Heads of Institutions must ensure their school is a registered Senior School assessment centre and that they have the necessary documentation for each learner. Required actions include:
- Verify and use learners’ Assessment Numbers issued in Grade 3.
- Collect and confirm each learner’s KJSEA (Kenya Junior School Education Assessment) performance report, stamped by the former junior school.
- Download, sign and submit official Grade 10 Entry Lists through the Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE) channels.
- Ensure data accuracy and keep parents/guardians informed about the importance of the Assessment Number.
Security and verification steps
Registration systems use secure login procedures and verification steps for Heads of Institutions to protect student data. Schools must follow any multi-factor authentication prompts and update institutional contact details as required. This ensures only authorised personnel complete and submit registrations and assessment evidence.
Assessment structure and timeline
The Grade 10 School-Based Assessments are designed to evaluate practical skills, creativity and applied knowledge over time instead of a single exam. The three main SBA components are:
- Projects — real-world problem solving and extended tasks.
- Practicals — hands-on skills and demonstrations.
- Written tests — theoretical understanding and application.
Projects and practicals will run between May and September 2026. Final written assessments occur in Term III, with all evidence and scores expected to be uploaded by October 15, 2026. Scores from Grade 10 SBAs will account for 15% of the final grade, with Grade 11 SBAs contributing another 15% and the Grade 12 summative assessment contributing 70% toward the KCBE.
Role of the Assessment Number and documentation
The Assessment Number issued in Grade 3 acts as a learner’s lifelong identifier within the CBC system. Schools must stress to parents and learners that this number is essential for accessing historical performance data and for accurate registration. KJSEA slips from junior school must be downloaded, stamped and kept as part of the learner’s file.
Capacity building and teacher support
Successful CBA implementation depends on teacher readiness. KNEC has oriented schools to provide access to the Competency-Based Assessment Framework for Senior School (CBAF-SS) and recommended training for Senior School teachers. Schools should prioritise training sessions so teachers can design, administer and score SBAs reliably and fairly.
For practical curriculum materials, schools and teachers can consult senior school curriculum designs and Grade 10 curriculum resources to align classroom instruction with assessment expectations. Useful resources include Senior School curriculum designs and Grade 10 curriculum designs. For sample CBC exams and practice materials, see the CBC exam repository.
Piloting, reporting and next steps
KNEC plans to pilot the Senior School summative assessment in 2027 as the pioneer cohort moves into Grade 11. This phased approach allows KNEC, schools and teachers to refine processes based on real data and feedback. Schools should complete registration steps promptly, prepare assessment evidence as scheduled, and communicate timelines clearly to parents and learners.
How schools can prepare now
- Confirm institutional registration and update contact details for verification.
- Audit learner Assessment Numbers and KJSEA documentation.
- Schedule teacher training and review the CBAF-SS guidance materials.
- Plan and calendar projects, practical sessions and written tests so evidence is uploaded on time.
Accurate and timely KNEC Grade 10 registration helps secure a learner’s academic footprint and enables meaningful competency-based evaluation across senior school years. Schools that prepare documentation, train staff, and follow the registration protocol will ensure learners benefit from a fairer, more holistic assessment system.
