How will student assessment change under CBE?

Short answer: Assessment shifts from once-off, recall-heavy exams to continuous, competency-focused measurement — combining national checks (KJSEA) with strengthened school-based assessment (SBA). Students will demonstrate skills through projects, portfolios, practicals and performance tasks rather than only timed written tests.

What are the main assessment components under Kenya’s CBE?

Concise: KJSEA (national) + SBA (school-based ongoing assessment) + system monitoring checks.

• KJSEA — Kenya Junior School Education Assessment at Grade 9 (summative, placement).
• SBA — Portfolios, projects, practicals and teacher-assessed rubrics across Grades 7–9.
• Monitoring — National/sample checks for system planning and quality assurance.

Quick links: KNEC • KICD • Compare CBC vs CBE on KCSERevision

How will grading change — will percentages still matter?

Concise: Grading moves to competency descriptors and achievement levels. Percentages are supplemented by rubric-based levels (e.g., “meeting expectations”).

• Achievement-level rubrics translate classroom evidence into standardised labels.
• Placement uses a combined-weight model: national + SBA.

How often will students be assessed?

Concise: Frequently — formative checks, mid-term tasks, end-of-cycle summatives and the KJSEA at Grade 9.

How will assessment affect senior school placement?

Concise: Placement into STEM / Arts & Sports / Social pathways will use combined KJSEA + SBA performance to match learners to pathways based on demonstrated skills.

Practical tip for parents: keep SBA portfolios from Grades 7–9 and request rubrics from your child’s school.

Quality, fairness & teacher practice

What safeguards exist?

Moderation, standardised rubrics and county-level oversight are built in — but rollout requires strong teacher training and record-keeping.

Teacher checklist

• Create clear competency rubrics
• Maintain portfolios (digital or physical)
• Provide formative feedback and opportunities for reassessment
• Participate in moderation and standardisation

Quick table — who does what

Component	Who	Purpose
KJSEA	KNEC	Placement & national benchmarking
SBA	Schools/Teachers	Ongoing competency evidence
Monitoring	MoE / KICD	Policy & planning

FAQ — quick, searchable

Internal KCSERevision links: Grade 9 / KJSEA resources • CBE Transition Guide • CBC vs CBE difference

 Under CBE, assessment becomes continuous and competency-focused: national measures like KJSEA combine with structured SBA and rubrics to guide placement — portfolios and moderation are essential.

• • 1. What is the biggest change in assessment under CBE?
    Mastery over memorization—students must demonstrate understanding, not just recall facts.

 

• • 2. Will exams still exist?
    Yes, but they’ll be complemented by projects, portfolios, and performance tasks.

 

• • 3. How are marks calculated under CBE?
    Using rubrics that break down competencies into measurable indicators across 8 sub-levels.

 

• • 4. What happens if a student doesn’t meet expectations?
    They receive targeted support and can retake assessments when ready.

 

• • 5. Is CBE more difficult than CBC?
    Not necessarily—it’s more personalized and flexible, allowing learners to progress at their own pace.

 

• • 6. Will CBE help with job readiness?
    Yes. It integrates real-world skills, internships, and community-based learning.

 

• • 7. Can students skip grades?
    Yes, if they demonstrate mastery of required competencies ahead of schedule.

 

• • 8. How will rural schools manage digital portfolios?
    The government is investing in infrastructure and teacher training to bridge the digital divide.

 

• • 9. What role do parents play in CBE?
    They support learner independence and monitor progress via digital platforms and school engagement.

 

• • 10. Are teachers ready for this change?
    Training is ongoing, with support from TSC, KICD, and county education offices.

 

• • 11. Will CBE reduce cheating?
    Yes. Personalized tasks and portfolios make cheating harder and less relevant.

 

• • 12. Is student ranking returning?
    It’s under consideration, based on the new point system and national performance metrics.

 

• • 13. How does CBE align with Vision 2030?
    It promotes innovation, employability, and inclusive education for national development.

 

• • 14. What subjects are affected by CBE?
    All subjects, with tailored approaches—e.g., simplified math for arts students, applied science for technical learners.

 

• • 15. Will CBE be expensive?
    It aims to be more affordable and accessible than CBC, with reduced parental burden.

 

• • 16. How long is the rollout?
    Three years, starting January 2026, with phased implementation across counties.

 

• • 17. What if a student moves schools?
    Digital records and standardized rubrics ensure smooth transitions between institutions.

 

• • 18. Are universities adapting to CBE?
    Yes, tertiary institutions are aligning with CBE principles and revising entry criteria.

 

• • 19. How will success be measured?
    Through learner proficiency, engagement, and readiness for real-world challenges.

 

• • 20. Will learners still receive certificates?
    Yes, but they’ll reflect competencies mastered rather than just grades earned.

 

• • 21. What tools will teachers use?
    Digital dashboards, rubric templates, and mobile apps for tracking learner progress.

 

• • 22. How will CBE handle functional needs learners?
    With personalized pathways, inclusive rubrics, and adaptive technologies.

 

• • 23. Is CBE recognized internationally?
    Yes. It aligns with global education trends and UNESCO’s learning frameworks.

 

• • 24. What happens to KCPE and KCSE?
    They’ll be phased out or restructured to reflect competency-based evaluation.

 

• 25. Can parents access assessment results?
  Yes, via school portals, mobile apps, and scheduled feedback sessions.