The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has officially released guidelines and timelines for the 2026 School-Based Assessments (SBA) and performance tasks under the Competency-Based Education (CBE), targeting learners in Grades 3, 7, 8, and those in stage-based levels.
According to the circular, schools will access the assessment tools through the KNEC CBA portal starting May 4, 2026. Head teachers have been directed to ensure timely login and administration of the projects, while subject teachers will oversee learner assessment and scoring based on provided guidelines.
KNEC emphasized that all schools must upload learners’ scores by July 31, 2026, marking a strict deadline for compliance.
The institutions encountering login challenges have been advised to utilize the password recovery option available on the portal.
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For Grade 3 learners, the assessment will focus on Integrated Learning Areas. Meanwhile, Grade 7 and Grade 8 learners will be evaluated in Agriculture, Creative Arts and Sports and Integrated Science.
The schedule also caters to learners under the stage-based curriculum. Those at the foundation level will undertake Integrated Learning Assessments, while Intermediate Level learners will be assessed in areas such as Communication and Social Skills, Daily Living Skills, Religious Education and Creative Activities.
At the Prevocational Level, assessments will cover practical and life-oriented subjects including functional literacy, nutrition, music and movement, and social studies.
The examining body has further instructed school heads to maintain proper records and evidence generated during the assessments. Schools are encouraged to source materials locally or improvise where necessary to facilitate the tasks.
The council noted that the early release of the schedule is intended to allow schools ample time to plan and execute the assessments effectively, ensuring smooth implementation of CBE evaluation processes nationwide.
By Kithinji Njeru
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