The Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) is set to take center stage in 2025, marking a pivotal moment for Grade 9 learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), this exam—detailed in directive KNEC/TD/SE/KJSEA/TT/2025/003—ushers students into senior secondary pathways, shaping their futures in STEM, arts, or social sciences. With the 2025 KJSEA timetable now public, it’s time to get a handle on the schedule, rules, and what’s at stake.
The Stakes Behind the 2025 KJSEA
Under the CBC, the KJSEA replaces the old 8-4-4 benchmarks, testing practical skills over rote learning. It’s a shift that matters: 60% of a student’s KJSEA score determines their senior secondary placement (Education Ministry, 2023), steering them toward specialized tracks. With SMEs driving 33% of Kenya’s GDP (KNBS, 2023) and youth unemployment hovering at 7.4% (World Bank), this exam’s focus on creativity, technical aptitude, and problem-solving could reshape the workforce.
The timetable spans May to November, blending projects with written and practical papers. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and getting it right starts with knowing the dates. Here’s the full rundown.
2025 KJSEA Timetable: Every Date and Paper You Need
KNEC’s schedule is tight—first-session papers begin at 8:30 a.m., with no extra time allowed. Durations are fixed, and any discrepancies favor the question paper’s stated time. Here’s the 2025 KJSEA timetable in full.
Project Phase (May–July 2025)
- Creative Arts & Sports (911/1): May–July, 3 months
- A project-based assessment for artistic and athletic talent.
- Pre-Technical Studies (912/2): July, 1 month
- Hands-on work prepping students for technical fields.
Rehearsal
- Friday, October 24, 2025: Rehearsal Day
- A practice run to iron out logistics.
Exam Days (October 27–November 5, 2025)
- Day 1: Monday, October 27
- 8:30–10:10 a.m.: English Language (901/1) – 1 hr 40 mins
- 8:30–10:20 a.m.: English (Hearing Impaired) – 1 hr 50 mins
- 8:30–10:40 a.m.: English (Braille) – 2 hrs 10 mins
- Break: 10:40–11:10 a.m. (30 mins)
- 11:10–12:55 p.m.: English Composition & Literary Analysis (901/2) – 1 hr 45 mins
- 11:10–1:05 p.m.: English (Hearing Impaired) – 1 hr 55 mins
- 11:10–1:25 p.m.: English (Braille) – 2 hrs 15 mins
- Day 2: Tuesday, October 28
- 8:30–10:30 a.m.: Mathematics (903) – 2 hrs
- 8:30–11:00 a.m.: Mathematics (Braille) – 2 hrs 30 mins
- Break: 11:00–11:30 a.m. (30 mins)
- 11:30–12:30 p.m.: Agriculture & Nutrition Practical Planning (906/2) – 1 hr
- 11:30–1:00 p.m.: Agriculture & Nutrition (Braille) – 1 hr 30 mins
- Day 3: Wednesday, October 29
- 8:30–10:10 a.m.: Kiswahili Lugha (902/1) or Kenyan Sign Language (904/1) – 1 hr 40 mins
- 8:30–10:40 a.m.: Kiswahili Lugha (Braille) – 2 hrs 10 mins
- Break: 10:40–11:10 a.m. (30 mins)
- 11:10–12:55 p.m.: Kiswahili Insha na Utangulizi wa Fasihi (902/2) – 1 hr 45 mins
- 11:10–1:25 p.m.: Kiswahili (Braille) – 2 hrs 15 mins
- 11:10–12:50 p.m.: Kenyan Sign Language (904/2) – 1 hr 40 mins
- Day 4: Thursday, October 30
- 8:30–10:10 a.m.: Integrated Science (905/1) – 1 hr 40 mins
- 8:30–10:40 a.m.: Integrated Science (Braille) – 2 hrs 10 mins
- Break: 10:40–11:10 a.m. (30 mins)
- 11:10–12:50 p.m.: Pre-Technical Studies (912/1) – 1 hr 40 mins
- 11:10–1:20 p.m.: Pre-Technical Studies (Braille) – 2 hrs 10 mins
- Day 5: Friday, October 31
- 8:30–10:00 a.m.: Integrated Science Practical (905/2) – 1 hr 30 mins
- 8:30–10:30 a.m.: Integrated Science Practical (Braille) – 2 hrs
- Day 6: Monday, November 3
- 8:30–10:10 a.m.: Agriculture & Nutrition (906/1) – 1 hr 40 mins
- 8:30–10:40 a.m.: Agriculture & Nutrition (Braille) – 2 hrs 10 mins
- Break: 10:40–11:10 a.m. (30 mins)
- 11:10–12:50 p.m.: Creative Arts & Sports (911/2) – 1 hr 40 mins
- 11:10–1:20 p.m.: Creative Arts & Sports (Braille) – 2 hrs 10 mins
- Day 7: Tuesday, November 4
- 8:30–10:00 a.m.: Social Studies (907) – 1 hr 30 mins
- 8:30–10:30 a.m.: Social Studies (Braille) – 2 hrs
- Break: 10:30–11:00 a.m. (30 mins)
- 11:00–12:30 p.m.: CRE (908), IRE (909), or HRE (910) – 1 hr 30 mins
- 11:00–1:00 p.m.: Religious Education (Braille) – 2 hrs
- Day 8: Wednesday, November 5
- 8:30–10:30 a.m.: Agriculture & Nutrition Practical (906/2) – 2 hrs
- 8:30–11:00 a.m.: Agriculture & Nutrition Practical (Braille) – 2 hrs 30 mins
Takeaway: Special needs candidates get up to 30 minutes extra per paper, a move reflecting Kenya’s 2.2% disability rate (KNBS, 2019) and a push for equity.
KJSEA Instructions: Rules You Can’t Ignore
KNEC’s guidelines are non-negotiable—here’s what’s critical.
For Candidates
- Timing: Be seated by 8:15 a.m. Late arrivals past 9:00 a.m. need a good reason, or you’re out of luck.
- Gear: Black or blue pens, pencils for diagrams, math tools—no phones, notes, or unauthorized calculators (results canceled if caught).
- Format: Write on both sides, number answers clearly, leave margins blank, and stop when told.
- Conduct: No talking, no copying—cheating wipes out your subject’s results.
For Schools and Supervisors
- Prep: Teachers must drill these rules into students—ignorance isn’t an excuse.
- Oversight: One invigilator per 20 students, one supervisor per 200. Scripts must be signed and tallied.
- Logistics: Use the right envelopes, don’t overstuff, and keep seating plans stamp-free.
Penalties: The KNEC Act 2012 lays it out—cheating means subject cancellation, center-wide issues could tank everyone, and leaks carry up to 10 years in jail or a KES 2M fine.
Insight: With 70% smartphone penetration (CAK, 2023), the phone ban is a big deal—digital temptation’s real.
What the KJSEA Means for Kenya’s Future
This exam isn’t just about grades—it’s a talent filter. Pre-Technical Studies could spawn engineers for Kenya’s manufacturing goals, while Agriculture & Nutrition ties into food security—a Big Four priority. The practical bent mirrors TVET’s 12% enrollment spike in 2023 (TVETA), signaling a shift toward skills that pay off. With youth unemployment costing KES 300B annually (World Bank), a well-executed KJSEA could ease that burden by channeling kids into productive paths.
Data Point: Over 16,000 new Junior School classrooms were built by 2025 (Education Ministry, 2024)—the stage is set, execution’s the key.
How to Prep for the 2025 KJSEA
Students and Families
- Projects: Start Creative Arts and Pre-Technical work in May—use breaks to refine ideas.
- Practice: Time yourself—1 hr 40 mins for English, 2 hrs for Math. Mock tests build stamina.
- Kit: Stock pens, rulers, and a basic calculator—check it’s KNEC-approved.
- Rules: Know the drill—latecomers and cheaters risk it all.
Schools and Stakeholders
- Support: Offer revision sessions or project guidance—small investments now yield big returns later.
- Monitor: Track progress to spot gaps—rural schools might need extra push on resources.
Fresh Angle: Practical papers like Integrated Science mean lab access matters—urban schools may have an edge unless rural ones step up.
Challenges to Watch
- Pace: Eight exam days plus projects test endurance—burnout’s a risk.
- Equity: Rural areas lag in facilities—KNBS notes a persistent urban-rural divide.
- Integrity: Malpractice could undermine trust, especially with high stakes.
Flip Side: Inclusivity for Braille and hearing-impaired students sets a strong precedent—opportunity’s widening.
Why This Timetable Should Be on Your Radar
The KJSEA shapes who fills your workforce in five years—engineers, creatives, or social leaders. It’s a chance to spot talent early, whether you’re hiring or guiding family. Plus, a smooth exam season keeps Kenya’s education engine humming, supporting the 33% GDP from SMEs (KNBS, 2023). Miss this, and you’re missing a piece of the puzzle.
The 2025 KJSEA timetable is live—October 24 to November 5 is your window. Grab it from www.knec.ac.ke, pin it up, and start prepping—projects kick off in May, exams in October.
