KPSEA and KJSEA Exams Begin as Government Promises Smooth Transition to Grade 10
KNEC Chief Executive Dr. David Njengere also attested to the preparedness of the ministry and faith in the implementation of the CBC examination system.
The KPSEA and KJSEA introductions follow in the footsteps of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams that began on October 21, 2025.Photo/courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The 2025 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) officially began on Monday, marking yet another pivotal milestone in the country’s shift to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The Ministry of Education and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) have assured parents, educators, and learners that all systems are in motion to guarantee a smooth and credible examination process.
Addressing while presiding over the opening of examination papers at the offices of the Kibra Deputy County Commissioner, Education Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok vowed that the government had made all logistical and financial preparations for the national exams. “We are pleased to inform that we are ready to take on KPSEA and KJSEA exams. We have 1.1 million candidates to sit for the KJSEA this year, who will, in turn, join Grade 10,” Prof. Bitok stated.
He emphasized that all stakeholders, including teachers, invigilators, security officers, and education officials, had been mobilized to ensure the exercise was transparent and efficient. The PS also confirmed that adequate funds had already been released to support the exams and called on all staff involved to ensure integrity and professionalism. “No one should have any excuse when it comes to facilitation.”. The government has arranged that there is all the support that is needed, and we have sufficient capacity in our secondaries to absorb Grade 9 pupils moving into Grade 10,” he added.
KNEC Chief Executive Dr. David Njengere also attested to the preparedness of the ministry and faith in the implementation of the CBC examination system. He explained that the new system values continuous learning and applied skills over memorization. “Under CBC, assessments are done in Grades 4, 7, and 8. Learners in Grade 9 have already completed 40 percent of their assessment, and these current exams will contribute the remaining 60 percent,” Dr. Njengere noted. “We are confident of delivering credible and high-quality examinations for the 3.4 million candidates participating this year.”
The KPSEA and KJSEA introductions follow in the footsteps of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams that began on October 21, 2025. Overlap is an indication of Kenya’s ongoing education revolution from 8-4-4 to 2-6-3-3 under CBC.
The KNEC said that KPSEA will run between October 27 to 29, while KJSEA will be done up to November 3, 2025. The ministry has specified that it has assured parents that the transition from Grade 9 to 10 will be seamless with sufficient resources and infrastructure to support all the students as they continue with their studies.
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