The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has officially rolled out competency-based assessments for Senior School learners as part of the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
In a circular addressed to school principals dated May 8, 2026, KNEC said it had put in place measures to ensure that Competency Based Assessment (CBA) aligns with the broader Competency Based Education framework for learners transitioning to Senior School.
“The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has put in place necessary measures to ensure that the implementation of Competency Based Assessment (CBA) is aligned with the Competency Based Education (CBE),” the circular states.
KNEC noted that all principals with learners in Grade 10 are expected to comply with the new assessment guidelines as the country prepares for full implementation of the senior school pathway.
According to the council, a Competency-Based Assessment Framework for Senior School (CBAF-SS) has already been developed and published online for teachers and education stakeholders.
“KNEC developed the Competency Based Assessment Framework for Senior School (CBAF-SS),” the document says.
The council further directed schools to ensure teachers and relevant stakeholders have access to the framework document through the KNEC website.
“All schools are required to provide access to the document for their teachers and other relevant stakeholders,” the circular adds.
To strengthen implementation, KNEC said an online self-paced training portal has already been established for teachers handling Senior School assessments.
“An online CBA self-paced training portal is in place for capacity building of all teachers in Senior School for CBA,” the document states.
The council said the portal will equip teachers with the skills required to conduct competency-based assessments under the new curriculum.
“The content provides teachers with requisite skills for conducting assessments,” KNEC stated.
KNEC also announced the establishment of an online platform for the administration of SBAs in Senior School.
“The Council has prepared an online platform for the administration of SBAs in Senior School,” the circular notes.
Under the new system, reporting in the Kenya Certificate of Basic Education (KCBE) examination will combine formative and summative assessments.
“Reporting in the Kenya Certificate of Basic Education (KCBE) examination will be a combination of formative and summative assessments,” the circular says.
READ ALSO: KNEC to verify KCSE certificates instantly to eliminate delays, fraud
The assessment structure will see Grade 10 and Grade 11 School-Based Assessments each contribute 15 per cent to the final subject score, while the Grade 12 summative assessment will account for 70 per cent.
KNEC Chief Executive Officer Dr David Njengere said the council will continue supporting schools during the implementation of competency-based assessments in Senior School.
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
