KPSEA Exams: Primary Schools Set for National Assessment Kickoff on Monday.
Primary schools across Kenya on Friday engaged in rehearsals to prepare for the upcoming Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), which begins Monday.
This marks the third KPSEA test administered since the shift to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and over 1.3 million students are expected to participate in the three-day assessment, running from Monday through Wednesday.
In preparation for the assessment, students were instructed to ensure classrooms were exam-ready, removing all wall posters, charts, and any writing on desks.
Teachers guided them through these tasks, ensuring an appropriate testing environment. Observations from Teachers Updates showed various schools walking students through the assessment’s rules and expectations, setting a calmer atmosphere than previous high-stakes examinations.
Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association: All Systems Ready
Johnson Nzioka, the Chairman of the Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association, shared that all necessary arrangements had been completed, expressing confidence in the preparedness of teachers and institutions.
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He explained that with teachers being directly responsible for administering the exam, they were well-prepared, and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) had provided essential support for smooth test administration.
This year’s KPSEA would be notably less intense, he mentioned, as it removed the previously competitive, high-stress elements typically linked with final exams.
Charles Ochome, head of the Kenya Private Schools Association, also confirmed that private schools had finalized their preparations.
He emphasized their efforts to maintain a relaxed mindset among students and teachers, underscoring a supportive approach that encourages students to perform without unnecessary pressure.
Assessment Schedule for Grade 6 Students
More than 1.3 million Grade 6 students will sit for the national assessment as part of the CBC’s implementation. The schedule is as follows:
- Monday, October 28: Mathematics and English assessments
- Tuesday, October 29: Integrated Science and Kiswahili
- Wednesday, October 30: Creative Arts and Social Studies
This year, KPSEA marks a historic change, with primary school students no longer taking the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, eliminating a longstanding symbol of academic pressure in the Kenyan education system.
Ministry of Education’s Focus on Future Curriculum Alignment
During the Catholic University of Eastern Africa’s graduation ceremony, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the government’s progress in preparing for CBC’s advancement to universities, scheduled for 2029.
Ogamba urged universities to enhance research and innovation initiatives and begin aligning their curricula with CBC to accommodate the upcoming cohorts.
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He commended higher institutions for their role in supporting CBC’s new competency-based approach and curriculum development.
The current KPSEA not only represents the new testing style within CBC but also paves the way for a less competitive, more inclusive education system, demonstrating Kenya’s commitment to meaningful curriculum reforms.
KPSEA Exams: Primary Schools Set for National Assessment Kickoff on Monday.
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