NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) examinations are scheduled to commence today (Monday).
This three-day evaluation, overseen by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), is a key milestone for Grade Six students as they prepare to transition to Grade Seven in the coming year.
The exam, designed to accommodate diverse needs with options in large print and braille, signals the ongoing changes in Kenya’s education system aimed at inclusivity and streamlined progression.
To ensure seamless distribution and administration, KNEC officials, including Chairman Prof. Julius Nyabundi and CEO Dr. David Njengere, led efforts to prepare assessment centers across the country.
Dr. Njengere urged center managers to maintain a “natural environment” for the students, emphasizing that a calm and familiar setting can help students perform at their best.
His statement reflects KNEC’s commitment to fostering an environment where students can approach the exam with confidence and comfort.
The KPSEA kicked off with assessments in Mathematics and English, with versions available to support visually impaired students.
The assessments will continue on Tuesday with Integrated Science and Kiswahili, as well as an option for Kenyan Sign Language to accommodate students who rely on this mode of communication.
Kenya’s revamped education system, which aims to replace the rigid KCPE exam structure with a more diverse approach, seeks to prepare students holistically for the future.
This assessment transition is part of the country’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which moves away from traditional testing towards a framework that values creativity and critical thinking.
As part of the KPSEA, students will conclude their exams on Wednesday with Creative Arts and Social Studies, reflecting the curriculum’s emphasis on both academic and social competencies.
The successful administration of the KPSEA not only marks a major step for Grade Six students but also for Kenya’s evolving education landscape.
With the CBC now taking root, students can anticipate a smoother, more integrated transition into secondary school. This shift in Kenya’s educational strategy aims to empower students by nurturing a broad range of skills, from academic to creative.