Knec starts to invite teacher examiners for marking of KJSEA

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has begun inviting teachers to serve as examiners for the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA). The KJSEA marking takes place in November, with candidate reports scheduled for release in December to guide Grade 9 learners as they transition to Grade 10.

Key Takeaways

KJSEA marking begins in November and results will be issued as report forms in December.
Marking will run for about two weeks and uses OMR machines for multiple-choice items and teacher examiners for open responses and creative work.
KNEC trained examiners earlier in the year; shortlisted trainees pay a training fee before residential training.
Qualified teachers with a Diploma in Education (or higher), TSC registration, and at least three years’ experience are eligible to apply.

KJSEA marking: purpose and timeline

The KJSEA is the first nationwide assessment for Grade 9 under the CBC system and determines placement into senior school (Grade 10). The assessments were held from 20 October to 3 November. Marking is scheduled for November and will take approximately two weeks. KNEC will release candidate results as report forms in December to support senior school selection in January.

Marking centres and marking methods

KNEC has designated marking centres by learning area. Key centres for 2025 included:

Kiswahili – Moi Girls School, Nairobi
CRE / IRE / HRE – St. George’s Girls School, Nairobi
Social Studies – Maryhill Girls High School
English – Alliance High School
Integrated Science – Isinya Girls High School
Pre-Technical Studies – Pangani Girls High School
Creative Arts & Sports – Alliance High School

Multiple-choice responses (for some English and Kiswahili paper 1 items) are processed using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

Examiner training and fees

KNEC conducted preparatory training for KJSEA examiners during the April and August holidays. Training combined online modules with later residential sessions at subject-specific training centres. The official training advert stated a training fee of KES 10,500, payable only by shortlisted applicants when instructed by KNEC.

Residential training venues and online materials are communicated to qualified trainees. After training, approved examiners are engaged by KNEC to mark papers according to standard marking schemes.

Who is eligible to be a KJSEA examiner?

Must be a practicing teacher/tutor in the relevant learning area at the examination level or above.

Must be registered and/or employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) or Public Service Commission.

Must hold a Diploma in Education or higher.

Minimum of three (3) years teaching experience.

Must not be under interdiction or subject to disciplinary action.

Must be recommended by the head of institution.

Must be 50 years of age or below.

Tutors from TTCs and TVET institutions are encouraged for practical and technical papers.

How to apply to be an examiner

Interested and qualified teachers should follow KNEC’s application procedure on the KNEC examiners’ portal. Create or use an existing CP2 account to log in, complete your profile and apply for training vacancies. Shortlisting is based on qualifications, submitted documents and a first-come, first-served basis for available slots.

Ensure your CP2 account is active; use the portal’s password reset option if needed.

Have a recommendation from your head of institution and scanned supporting documents ready.

Only shortlisted applicants will receive instructions on fee payment and the residential training venue.

What teachers should prepare

Teachers applying to be KJSEA examiners should prepare the following:

Proof of TSC registration/employment and a valid CP2 account.

Academic and professional certificates showing a Diploma in Education or higher.

Documented proof of at least three years’ teaching experience.

A recommendation letter from the head of institution.

Availability to attend the residential training and the marking exercise, which may require travel.

Resources and further reading

Teachers and parents preparing for the CBC transition and senior secondary placement may find curriculum and resource materials helpful. See the Grade 10 curriculum designs for senior school subject guides, review the JSS curriculum designs for junior secondary learning area outlines, and read about Kenya’s CBC transition to senior secondary school for an overview of how KJSEA reports feed into Grade 10 selection.

If you are applying to mark or want to support learners through the transition, keep documentation current and watch for direct notifications from KNEC about shortlisting, payments and training schedules.