The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released crucial dates for upcoming national examinations, marking significant milestones in the country’s education system. According to KNEC CEO David Njengere, the registration for the 2025 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) candidates will commence on January 27, 2025, followed by the Junior Secondary School (JSS) registration starting on February 17, 2025. Additionally, Njengere announced that the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations will be administered for the last time in 2027, signaling a pivotal shift in Kenya’s educational assessment framework.
Registration Details for 2025 Examinations
The registration process for the 2025 KPSEA and JSS candidates is structured to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for all stakeholders.
- KPSEA Registration:
- Start Date: January 27, 2025
- End Date: March 29, 2025
- Process: Schools are required to register their candidates through the KPSEA Registration portal, which will be accessible during this period. Headteachers must ensure that all eligible learners are registered within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any inconveniences. Arena
- JSS Registration:
- Start Date: February 17, 2025
- End Date: April 17, 2025
- Process: Junior Secondary Schools will register their candidates through the designated KNEC portal. Principals are advised to verify the accuracy of the students’ details during registration to ensure the integrity of the examination process.
Phasing Out of KCSE by 2027
In a landmark decision, KNEC has announced that the KCSE examinations will be administered for the last time in 2027. This move is part of the broader implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which aims to replace the 8-4-4 system with a more skills-oriented approach to education.
- Implications:
- Transition to CBC: The phasing out of KCSE signifies a complete shift to the CBC framework, where assessments focus on learners’ competencies rather than rote memorization.
- New Assessment Models: Post-2027, students will undergo different forms of evaluations aligned with the CBC objectives, emphasizing practical skills and critical thinking.
Preparation for the Transition
As the education sector braces for these significant changes, various measures are being put in place to ensure a seamless transition.
- Curriculum Development: The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is actively developing learning materials and guidelines to support the CBC implementation across all educational levels.
- Teacher Training: Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs are being conducted to equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively deliver the CBC content.
- Infrastructure Enhancement: The government is investing in educational infrastructure to accommodate the new system’s requirements, including the construction of additional classrooms and the provision of learning resources.
Stakeholder Engagement
The success of these initiatives heavily relies on the active participation of all education stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students, and policymakers.
- Parental Involvement: Parents are encouraged to engage with schools and stay informed about the changes to better support their children’s educational journey.
- Policy Support: Policymakers are urged to provide the necessary legislative backing and resources to facilitate the smooth implementation of the CBC and the associated assessment methods.
The announcement by KNEC marks a transformative period in Kenya’s education system, with the registration dates for the 2025 KPSEA and JSS examinations set and the phasing out of the KCSE by 2027. These developments underscore the country’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and aligning it with global standards through the Competency-Based Curriculum.
