The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) officially started the 2025 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
And the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) exams on October 27, 2025.
The assessments are part of Kenya’s ongoing rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Therefore, marking a key step in transitioning from the 8-4-4 system.
This year, over 3.4 million learners are sitting national examinations.
Including 1.1 million Grade 9 students taking the KJSEA exams for the first time, as they prepare to advance to Grade 10.
Preparation and Readiness
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok confirmed that all logistics, funding, and facilities were in place to ensure a smooth process.
Speaking during the opening of exam materials in Kibra, Bitok noted that all stakeholders had been mobilized and resources fully provided.
“We are pleased to announce that the KPSEA and KJSEA exams are ready to begin. This year, 1.1 million KJSEA learners will be taking their exams for the first time as they prepare to join Grade 10,” Bitok said.
KNEC CEO David Njengere emphasized that the council was fully prepared to oversee assessments for 2.4 million learners across the country.
He explained that Grade 9 students already have 40% of their marks from formative assessments, with the exams contributing the remaining 60%.
Official Launch and Exam Schedule
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba launched the exams by opening a KNEC container at Bureti Deputy County Commissioner’s offices in Litein, Kericho County.
Additionally, he later visited Kipsigis Girls’ High School to monitor exam proceedings.
This morning, I visited Litein Boys High School in Kericho County to assess the progress of ongoing renovations aimed at ensuring that Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates sit their examinations in a conducive environment.
The institution is among those… pic.twitter.com/FDG9FxIbEC
— Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS (@HonJuliusMigos) October 27, 2025
KPSEA: October 27 – 29, 2025
KJSEA: October 27 – November 3, 2025
These assessments are taking place alongside the KCSE exams, which began earlier on October 21, 2025.
Ensuring Exam Integrity
KNEC has introduced strict measures to maintain exam credibility:
- Exam containers open at 6:00 AM for KPSEA and KJSEA.
- Mobile phones are banned inside exam centres.
- All personnel are required to carry valid identification for verification purposes.
- Supervisors must ensure only authorized staff are present and that exams are opened at the correct time.
Njengere urged candidates to remain calm and focused, assuring transparency and fairness.
Also, he reminded learners that any malpractice could lead to the cancellation, referencing 711 KCSE cases from the previous year as a warning.
Significance of the Exams
The KPSEA and KJSEA assessments are central to Kenya’s competency-based curriculum.
Indeed, it prioritizes practical skills and understanding over rote memorization.
The results will help determine learners’ readiness for the next educational stage, ensuring a smooth transition into junior secondary education for KJSEA candidates.
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