Knec Announces New Scoring And Placement Criteria For Cbc Learners

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has detailed how learner assessments in primary and junior secondary will contribute to their transition to senior secondary schools under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Scoring Breakdown

1. School-Based Assessments (SBA)
   • Contribution: 20% of the total score.
   • When: Conducted annually in Grade 7 and Grade 8 during Term 2 (projects and practicals) and Term 3 (theory).
2. Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA)
   • Contribution: 20% of the total score.
   • When: Administered in Grade 6 before transitioning to junior secondary (Grade 7).
3. Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA)
   • Contribution: 60% of the total score.
   • When: Conducted at the end of Grade 9.

Final Placement:
KNEC combines scores from SBA (20%), KPSEA (20%), and KJSEA (60%) for placement in senior secondary schools, which begins in Grade 10.

Senior Secondary Pathways (2026 Onward)

The first CBC cohort will join senior secondary in 2026, embarking on a three-year study period (Grades 10, 11, and 12). Learners will choose from three core pathways based on their interests and abilities:

1. Arts and Sports Science (15%)
   • Tracks:
     • Arts: Music and Dance, Theatre and Film, Fine Arts.
     • Sports Science: Sports and Recreation, Physical Education.
2. Social Sciences (25%)
   • Tracks:
     • Languages and Literature: English Literature, Indigenous Languages, Kiswahili/Kenya Sign Language, Arabic, French, German, Mandarin/Chinese.
     • Humanities and Business Studies: History and Citizenship, Geography, Business Studies, and Religious Education (Christian, Islamic, or Hindu).
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (60%)
   • Tracks:
     • Pure Science: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
     • Applied Science: Agriculture, Computer Science, Home Science.
     • Technical Studies: Aviation, Marine and Fisheries Technology, Media Technology, Building and Construction, Electricity, Metal Work, Power Mechanics, Woodwork.

Placement Strategy

• National Schools: Prioritize learners pursuing STEM pathways.
• Extra County Schools: Offer tracks in Creative Arts and Sports.
• County and Sub-County Schools: Focus on Humanities and Business Studies.

The latest updates, following a presidential review, aim to address parental concerns and evolving education needs, ensuring a smoother transition and clearer career path for CBC learners.