The KNEC SBA upload deadline requires all schools to submit 2026 term-three School Based Assessment scores to the CBA portal by 23rd October 2026. Schools must complete testing, marking and uploading now to ensure learner records are complete and accurate.
Key Takeaways
- Deadline: All SBA scores must be on the CBA portal by 23rd October 2026.
- Portal access: Use the CBA portal at https://cba.knec.ac.ke and follow the published user manual.
- Login issues: OTPs and repeated logouts slow uploads—tick “Remember Me” and register subject teachers early.
- Integrity: Keep assessment tools confidential and retain evidence for at least six months.
KNEC SBA upload deadline: what schools must know
The main requirement is simple: every learner’s SBA scores for the 2026 cycle must be uploaded to the CBA portal by the KNEC SBA upload deadline. This deadline falls on the last day of term, so schools must plan to finish tests, mark them and submit results within a tight window.
Why the deadline matters
SBA results form a continuous record of learner progress under the Competency Based Curriculum. Missing or incorrect uploads leave learner profiles incomplete and make it harder for teachers, parents and education planners to make informed decisions. Timely uploads protect the integrity of records and ensure proper learner support and placement.
Which grades and assessments are affected
The 2026 SBA cycle being uploaded covers:
- Grade 3: Kenya Early Years Assessment (KEYA) — written Mathematics and English Activities; performance tasks for learners with special needs.
- Grades 4 and 5: SBA tests in Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Social Studies, Religious Education and Creative Arts.
- Grades 7 and 8: Assessments in Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, Social Studies, Religious Education, Integrated Science, Agriculture, Creative Arts & Sports, and Pre-Technical Studies.
Grade 6 and Grade 9 learners are exempt from these SBA uploads to allow preparation for KPSEA and KJSEA respectively.
Common login issues and quick fixes
Many ICT teachers report repeated logouts and the need to request fresh OTPs from headteachers. To reduce delays:
- Ensure subject teachers are registered and issued with passwords so they can upload their own subject scores.
- Tick the “Remember Me” box at login to avoid repeated OTP prompts on the same device.
- Designate a deputy to issue OTPs if the headteacher is unavailable during closing-day duties.
- Use the portal’s “forgot password” function immediately if credentials are lost.
Upload checklist for schools
- Finish administering and marking written tests and performance tasks before the portal deadline.
- Read the KNEC user manual on the CBA portal to follow the scoring guides and upload steps.
- Print assessment tools with colour images in colour or load them on school devices where required.
- Assign data-entry and scoring roles to named teachers to avoid duplication and errors.
- Upload early and in batches to reduce the risk of portal congestion on deadline day.
- Keep all assessment evidence and records for at least six months for verification purposes.
Maintaining integrity under time pressure
Time constraints must not lead to shortcuts. KNEC has warned against sharing assessment materials in social groups, as leaks can invalidate tests and attract sanctions. Headteachers should supervise printing, storage and distribution of papers and ensure uploaded scores reflect actual learner performance.
Practical resources and further help
Schools preparing learners and managing uploads may also find these resources useful:
- CBC exam resources for practice papers and guidance aligned to competency-based assessments.
- KCPE exam papers and revision materials useful for Grade 6 teachers preparing candidates for national assessments.
- Grade 6 schemes of work to plan term activities and assessments that feed into learner records.
Final action points for heads and teachers
With the KNEC SBA upload deadline imminent, schools should prioritise finishing tests today and tomorrow, registering subject teachers, keeping OTPs reachable, and uploading in batches. Clear task assignment, early uploads and careful record-keeping will help schools meet the deadline and preserve the accuracy of learner records.
