The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has unveiled a new grading system for the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), which will guide the placement of Grade 9 learners into senior secondary schools under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The system uses an eight-level achievement scale, ranging from exceptional performance at EE1 to minimal achievement at BE2. It combines KJSEA results (60%), school-based assessments (20 percent), and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (20 percent) to determine final placement scores.
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Learners will transition into one of three senior school pathways: STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts and Sports Science. While the system acknowledges a wider range of abilities, competition remains the primary yardstick for placement, with learners scoring higher marks standing a better chance of securing spots in competitive schools and sought-after pathways, such as STEM. Talented learners in arts and sports will also be considered for special placements based on documented achievements.
The KJSEA assessments will be conducted from October 27 to November 3, 2025, with rehearsals scheduled for October 24. Senior school placements will follow in December 2025. The dual reforms—grading changes and teacher deployment—signal a major shift in Kenya’s education sector, where talent and competence are emphasised, but academic achievement remains the decisive factor for future opportunities.
By Hillary Muhalya
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