The Kenya National Examinations Council has released the first senior-school written tests for the pioneer Competency Based Curriculum cohort. These Grade 10 SBA written tests are available on the CBA portal and must be downloaded, administered and uploaded by schools within the set window.
Key Takeaways
- Access window: assessment tools released from 5 October 2026 with scores due by 23 October 2026.
- What to upload: written test scores for Grade 10 learners via the CBA portal.
- Assessment weight: Grade 10 SBA contributes 15% to the final KCBE subject grade (Grade 11 SBA: 15%, Grade 12 summative: 70%).
- Missing components: many schools did not complete Term II projects and practicals — schools should document gaps and follow KNEC guidance.
Grade 10 SBA: What Schools Must Know
The Grade 10 SBA written tests form part of a three-component School Based Assessment model: projects, practicals and written tests. This is the first time the pioneer CBC cohort will have senior-school SBA results count toward their Kenya Certificate of Basic Education (KCBE).
Which subjects are assessed
Subjects are grouped by pathway. Under STEM are Core Mathematics, Essential Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Computer Studies, Home Science, Agriculture and Electricity. Social Sciences include CRE, HRE, IRE, Business Studies, History and Citizenship, and Geography. Arts and Sports include Sports and Recreation, and Music and Dance.
How schools access and submit tests
Principals must log in to the CBA portal with school credentials and a one-time password sent to the registered phone. If there are login problems, use the “forgot password” option. A detailed user manual on the portal explains downloading, scoring and uploading procedures.
Principals are responsible for downloading assessment tools and keeping evidence. Subject teachers must administer, score and upload learners’ results within the deadline.
Assessment schedule and deadlines
KNEC issued a circular (dated 14 August 2026) that set the schedule: assessment tools available from 5 October 2026 and the final upload deadline on 23 October 2026. The broader assessment framework indicates projects and practicals are carried out in Term II and written tests in Term III.
What to do if projects and practicals were missed
Many schools did not complete Term II projects and practicals. Schools should:
- Record which projects or practicals were not administered and why.
- Keep all available evidence, including test papers, attendance and communications, for possible verification.
- Seek clarification from KNEC or district officers on how missing components will affect final SBA computation.
How the SBA affects the KCBE
The KCBE reporting model combines continuous assessment with a final summative exam. The contribution by year is:
- Grade 10 SBA: 15%
- Grade 11 SBA: 15%
- Grade 12 Summative Assessment: 70%
This means Grade 10 performance now affects the final KCBE outcome. Schools should therefore ensure accurate scoring and thorough record keeping.
Action checklist for principals and teachers
- Log in to the CBA portal early and confirm the school’s registered phone number receives OTPs.
- Download assessment tools for all offered subjects and check for colour images that require colour printing or digital display.
- Prepare devices or printouts so learners can view colour content as advised.
- Administer written tests within the school calendar and score using the provided scoring guides.
- Upload all learners’ scores to the CBA portal well before 23 October 2026.
- Keep all project, practical and written-test records for verification and reporting.
Preparing learners and using curriculum resources
Teachers should use senior-school curriculum designs and past exam-type resources to help learners prepare for SBA tasks and written tests. Useful resources include senior-school curriculum designs and Grade 10 exam practice materials to align classroom work with assessment expectations. For curriculum support and exam practice, consider the senior school curriculum designs, the Grade 10 exam resources and broader CBC curriculum designs.
Looking ahead
KNEC plans to pilot the Senior School summative assessment in 2027. Lessons from this Grade 10 SBA rollout — portal access, uploads and record keeping — will inform improvements before the first full KCBE. Schools that follow the circular and maintain clear records will help protect learners’ interests and support a smooth transition to the full KCBE system.
