The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has intensified preparations for the upcoming Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), which is set to be fully implemented in November 2025. As part of this effort, KNEC will host a two-day workshop at Lake Naivasha Resort on Monday, December 16, and Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The workshop will bring together teachers from schools that participated in the KJSEA pilot program, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the nationwide rollout.
Focus of the Workshop
The workshop will include one junior school teacher from each of the 235 schools that took part in the pilot study conducted earlier this year. Head teachers of these schools have been tasked with nominating a representative teacher to attend. The initiative underscores KNEC’s commitment to equipping educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to administer the assessment effectively.
KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere emphasized the council’s dedication to ensuring a seamless transition to the new system. “This workshop is a crucial step in preparing schools for the administration of KJSEA. It will offer educators insights into assessment processes, familiarize them with the sample papers, and provide strategies for successful implementation,” said Dr. Njengere.
Insights from the Pilot Program
The KJSEA pilot, conducted in July 2024, involved 235 schools across Kenya’s 47 counties. Each county contributed five schools, providing a diverse representation of learning environments. The pilot program enabled KNEC to test assessment tools, identify gaps, and gather valuable feedback from educators and students.
Following the pilot, KNEC analyzed the data and improved the assessment tools based on observations and feedback. Dr. Njengere highlighted that the refined tools would be shared as sample papers with all junior schools to help learners and teachers familiarize themselves with the assessment format. This proactive approach is expected to boost preparedness and alleviate anxiety about the new system.
Preparing for a Nationwide Rollout
The forthcoming KJSEA marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s education system. It will serve as a terminal assessment for Grade 9 learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Unlike traditional exam-focused assessments, the KJSEA integrates practical skills, critical thinking, and knowledge application, aligning with the CBC’s goal of producing well-rounded individuals.
The workshop will also provide an opportunity for educators to network and share experiences from the pilot program. This collaborative approach aims to build a unified understanding of the assessment’s objectives and expectations.
Key Dates and Next Steps
The KJSEA is scheduled for November 2025, giving schools ample time to align their teaching strategies with the new assessment requirements. The distribution of sample papers to all junior schools will be a pivotal moment, ensuring that even schools that did not participate in the pilot can adequately prepare their students.
KNEC’s initiative to involve educators in the planning process demonstrates a collaborative approach to educational reforms. By empowering teachers with the right resources and training, KNEC aims to ensure that the implementation of KJSEA is smooth and beneficial for all stakeholders.
A Transformative Approach to Education
The Competency-Based Curriculum and its associated assessments represent a transformative shift in Kenya’s education system. The focus on holistic development, skill acquisition, and problem-solving prepares learners for real-world challenges and opportunities.
KNEC’s continued engagement with educators through initiatives such as the December workshop reflects a commitment to excellence and inclusivity in the education sector. As the country prepares for the full implementation of KJSEA, this workshop stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts required to achieve successful educational reforms.
With KJSEA on the horizon, KNEC’s structured and inclusive approach signals a promising future for Kenya’s junior school learners, equipping them with skills and competencies to thrive in a dynamic world.
