The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has opened the registration window for learners sitting the 2026 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment. This notice explains the KPSEA registration 2026 process, KILEA registration for stage-based learners, key dates, required documents, fees and portal access rules for heads of institutions and Sub-County Directors of Education.
Key Takeaways
- Registration period: 16 February to 16 March 2026 — use the KNEC registration portal within these dates.
- Assessment numbers: Grade 6 learners must have an assessment number issued in Grade 3; those without must be assigned one via the Grade 6 portal before registration.
- Fees: The Government pays fees for Kenyan citizens in public and private schools; non-citizens pay Kes. 750 via E-Citizen.
- Deadlines and penalties: Portal closes 16 March 2026; late requests attract penalties and amendments stop after 22 May 2026.
Overview of KPSEA registration 2026
Heads of institutions must register eligible Grade 6 learners through the KPSEA registration portal between 16 February and 16 March 2026. Registration requires the learner’s assessment number (issued in Grade 3). If a learner does not have an assessment number, the school must first register them in the Grade 6 portal to obtain one before completing full registration.
What to check during registration
When entering candidate information, ensure all biodata is accurate. Correct any errors during registration to avoid problems later.
- Full names (spellings as on birth certificate)
- Gender and year of birth
- Citizenship and Religious Education option
- Category of special needs (VI, LV, HI, PH, ID) where applicable
Supporting documents for learners with special needs
For candidates requiring special arrangements, the school must upload the completed special needs form and supporting documents. Required documentation includes:
- A recent detailed medical report from a recognized practitioner
- An Assessment Report from the Sub-County Special Needs office (EARC)
- A full-size coloured photograph for candidates with physical disabilities
- A report from the Head of Institution detailing any special interventions needed
KILEA registration and stage-based learners
Identification of stage-based learners for KILEA is done by their teachers when learners are ready to sit the assessment. Institutions register these candidates through the KILEA registration portal. Ensure the correct pathway is selected and that readiness has been confirmed by teaching staff before submission.
Payment of assessment fees
The Ministry of Education will cover assessment fees for Kenyan citizens in both public and private schools. Non-citizen candidates must pay Kes. 750 directly to KNEC through the E-Citizen platform. Payment is required for successful registration.
New assessment centres: application and approval
Applications for new KNEC assessment centres must have been submitted through the Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs) before the end of 2025. Documents required at application include:
- Certified County Education Board registration certificate (valid)
- Certified inspection questionnaire from the SCDE
- Certified Public Health and Sanitation inspection report
- Completed application form and evidence of payment of registration fees
KNEC will conclude inspection and approval by 27 February 2026. New centres cannot access the registration portal until approved.
Hosting rules for small candidate numbers
To remain compliant, schools must follow hosting guidelines:
- Schools with fewer than 10 candidates cannot act as independent centres for KPSEA; they must use an approved host centre.
- Centres with fewer than 30 candidates may be hosted in approved centres identified by SCDEs.
- Special needs schools and government correctional facilities are exempted from the minimum candidate rules.
Portal access and data security
All SCDEs and heads of institutions must log in to the CBA portal using assigned usernames and passwords and complete two-factor authentication. Each login generates a one-time password (OTP). Heads of institutions are responsible for safeguarding their passwords and OTPs. In case of a lost or forgotten password, contact KNEC via the SCDE or the KPSEA support email.
Data protection and consent
Centre managers must comply with the Data Protection Act (Sections 25, 26 and 29). Obtain parental or guardian consent for collection of learner personal data and inform them that data will be used only for assessment administration. Candidates will sign the nominal roll after confirming their details.
Deadlines, amendments and penalties
The registration portal closes on 16 March 2026. Late registration requests will incur penalties. No amendments to registration data will be accepted after 22 May 2026. Centre managers are responsible for timely and accurate submission. KNEC will also provide an SMS confirmation service in April 2026 for parents/guardians to verify registration details.
Next steps for schools and parents
Heads of institutions should:
- Confirm all registered candidates have valid assessment numbers.
- Ensure SBA scores for Grades 4 and 5 are uploaded where required.
- Validate collection points (distribution centres) and report discrepancies through SCDEs.
- Inform parents to expect SMS confirmations and to verify candidate details.
For classroom resources and practice materials to support Grade 6 learners preparing for KPSEA and other CBC assessments, see the free CBC exam practice, download Grade 6 schemes of work at Grade 6 CBC schemes of work, and use targeted practice such as Grade 3 term tests for foundational revision.
