The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued the operational guidelines and schedule for the 2026 Grade 10 SBA written tests. Schools must download assessment tools on 5 October 2026, complete administration and marking, and upload scores by 23 October 2026 via the KNEC CBA portal. This article summarises the key requirements, timelines, and practical steps principals and teachers must take to comply.
Key Takeaways
- The Grade 10 SBA written tests will be available for download on 5 October 2026 and scores must be uploaded by 23 October 2026.
- Principals log in to the KNEC CBA portal using school credentials and receive an OTP to the registered mobile number.
- Assessment covers STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports with colour printing required for image-based items or digital delivery if devices are available.
- The KCBE final grade uses a 15% (Grade 10 SBA) + 15% (Grade 11 SBA) + 70% (Grade 12 summative) weighting model.
Grade 10 SBA written tests: what schools must know
The Grade 10 SBA written tests are part of the senior school School-Based Assessments under the Competency-Based Curriculum. These written tests complement projects and practicals done in Term II and are designed to assess critical thinking, subject knowledge, and application.
School heads must use the official KNEC Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) portal to download assessment tools, manage administration, and upload scores. The portal uses two-factor authentication: institutional credentials plus a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to the principal’s registered mobile number.
Assessment structure and schedule
The written tests span three learning clusters. All tools will be released simultaneously on the portal on 5 October and the upload window closes on 23 October 2026.
- STEM: Core Mathematics, Essential Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Computer Studies, Home Science, Agriculture, Electricity.
- Social Sciences: CRE, HRE, IRE, Business Studies, History & Citizenship, Geography.
- Arts & Sports: Sports & Recreation, Music and Dance.
After administration, schools must collate marks and upload individual learner scores to the national database within the deadline.
How Grades feed into the KCBE
The KCBE uses a cumulative weighting model for subject grades across senior school:
- Grade 10 SBA — 15% of the final KCBE grade.
- Grade 11 SBA — 15% of the final KCBE grade.
- Grade 12 summative assessment — 70% of the final KCBE grade.
This model rewards continuous assessment and practical mastery alongside the Grade 12 summative exam.
Portal access, printing and technical guidance
Principals should confirm active school credentials and ensure the principal’s phone number is current for OTP delivery. If login issues occur, use the portal’s self-service password reset tool. The CBA portal contains a detailed user manual; download and review it well before 5 October.
Assessment materials with colour images must be printed in full colour. Schools with reliable digital devices may present materials on screens instead of printing. Ensure secure storage of downloaded files and printed scripts to meet audit requirements.
Administration roles: principals and subject teachers
Principals act as custodians of the process. Their responsibilities include downloading test packs, ensuring secure storage, supervising administration, ensuring accurate marking, and uploading scores on time. Principals must also archive physical and digital evidence for verification.
Subject teachers administer tests, invigilate, apply KNEC rubrics during marking, and enter individual learner scores into the portal. Use the scoring guides in the user manual to maintain consistent grading across classes.
Step-by-step checklist for schools
- Perform a portal audit: test login and OTP receipt before the download date.
- Hold departmental briefings using the KNEC user manual to explain rubrics and accommodations.
- Service printers and stock full-colour ink where needed; prepare digital devices if available.
- Set up a secure archiving system for scripts, project evidence, and upload receipts.
- Run a mock upload exercise to check mapping of learner indices and avoid data entry errors.
Where to find supporting curriculum and practice resources
To support classroom preparation and alignment with the new senior school expectations, schools can use available curriculum and practice materials. Download senior school curriculum designs and lesson plans to guide instruction and SBA readiness:
- Grade 10 curriculum designs for subject scope and learning outcomes.
- CBC lesson plans to structure classroom sessions and SBA practice.
- Practice CBC exams and past papers to familiarise learners with written-test formats.
Final notes for school leaders
Time is limited between download and upload dates. Prioritise a clear division of roles, adequate resources, and staff training. Following KNEC procedures exactly will protect data integrity and ensure learners’ SBA contributions are valid and auditable.
With careful planning, the Grade 10 SBA written tests will strengthen continuous assessment and prepare learners for the KCBE’s competency-focused expectations.
