- KNEC has released the 2026 School-Based Assessment schedule, setting September 28 as the date schools will access assessment tools via the CBA Portal.
- The council has set October 23 as the deadline for uploading learners’ scores, with assessments covering Grades 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and SNE Foundation Level learners across multiple subjects.
- KNEC has directed schools to print or digitally load assessment materials, retain all assessment records, and use the portal’s password reset tool and user manual where needed.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released guidelines and a schedule for the 2026 School-Based Assessments (SBAs), setting September 28, 2026 as the date when schools will access the assessment tools.
According to the guidelines dated August 14, 2026, the assessments will cover learners in Grade 3, Grades 4 and 5, and Grades 7 and 8, as well as learners undertaking SNE Foundation Level performance tasks. KNEC said the assessment tools will be uploaded to the KNEC Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) Portal, which headteachers will be required to access using their school credentials.
The council has directed schools to administer the assessment tools and performance tasks, score the learners and upload the assessment outcomes to the CBA portal within the stipulated period, with the last date for uploading scores set at October 23, 2026.
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For Grade 3, learners will undertake written tests in Mathematics and English Activities. For SNE Foundation Level, the performance tasks will cover Activities of Daily Living and Communication, and Social and Pre-Literacy Skills. For Grades 4 and 5, the written assessments will cover Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Social Studies, Religious Education (CRE/IRE/HRE) and Creative Arts. For Grades 7 and 8, learners will be assessed in Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, Social Studies, CRE/IRE/HRE, Integrated Science, Agriculture, Creative Arts and Sports, and Pre-Technical Studies.
KNEC has instructed schools to print assessment tools containing colour images in colour or load them onto digital devices available in the schools. Headteachers have also been directed to keep all records and evidence generated from the assessments. Schools experiencing password-related challenges have been advised to use the “forgot password” function on the CBA portal to reset their passwords.
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KNEC said a detailed user manual containing step-by-step instructions on accessing the tools, assessment instructions, scoring guides and uploading learners’ scores is available through the CBA portal. The council said the schedule is intended to enable schools to prepare and plan adequately for the 2026 School-Based Assessments.
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