The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has officially commenced the registration process for the inaugural Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), a critical step in preparing Grade 9 learners for their transition to senior school. The registration period, which began on March 3, 2025, will run until March 28, 2025, through the KNEC online portal.
In a statement, KNEC emphasized the importance of timely registration, urging schools to ensure that all eligible learners are enrolled before the deadline. Parents have also been advised to work closely with school administrations to confirm their children’s registration status.
Assessment Structure and Eligibility
The KJSEA assessment will be structured to reflect a learner’s academic journey under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The final evaluation will comprise:
- 20% from the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA)
- 20% from School-Based Assessments (SBA) conducted in Grades 7 and 8
- 60% from the summative KJSEA examination
To qualify for registration, learners must be officially listed in the Grade 9 database, possess a KPSEA performance report, and have completed SBA scores for Grades 7 and 8 across all prescribed learning areas.
Student Transfers and Registration Guidelines
KNEC has introduced strict guidelines to prevent multiple registrations and streamline student records. Any transfer of Grade 9 learners must be completed online before the registration deadline. Requests submitted after March 28, 2025, will not be processed, potentially affecting the student’s ability to sit for the final assessment.
Implications for Senior School Placement
The inaugural KJSEA assessment is set to impact over 1.2 million Grade 9 learners, who will sit for the exam in November 2025. Their results will determine their placement in senior school starting January 2026, where they will pursue specialized career pathways based on their academic performance, interests, and career aspirations.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, noting that it marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s shift to the CBC framework. KNEC has reassured the public that it is working closely with education authorities to ensure a smooth transition process.
For further information, schools and parents are encouraged to visit the official KNEC website or contact local education offices.