By elimu news update
2026 KNEC School-Based Assessment
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has set September 28, 2026, as a key date for schools preparing to administer the 2026 School-Based Assessments (SBA) for learners in Grades 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8.
The assessment schedule comes at a critical point in the third term, with schools expected to access the assessment materials, administer the tests and performance tasks, score learners and submit the results through the KNEC Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) Portal.
According to the guidelines issued by KNEC, schools will access the relevant assessment tools from September 28, while the deadline for uploading learners’ assessment scores has been set for October 23, 2026.
KNEC 2026 SBA assessment dates
The 2026 School-Based Assessment programme targets several groups of learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum, as well as learners following the Stage-Based Curriculum.
The assessment materials scheduled for release include the Kenya Early Years Assessment (KEYA) tools for Grade 3, Kenya Foundation Level Education Assessment (KFLEA) tools for learners under the Stage-Based Curriculum and SBA tools for Grades 4, 5, 7 and 8.
Schools will then have a limited period to conduct the assessments, mark the work and upload the required outcomes.
The final date for uploading scores is October 23, 2026, meaning headteachers and teachers will need to organise their assessment activities carefully to avoid missing the deadline.
Subjects covered in the assessments
Grade 3 learners will undertake assessment in Mathematics and English Activities.
For Grades 4 and 5, the assessment programme covers a wider range of learning areas, including Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Social Studies, Religious Education and Creative Arts.
Learners in Grades 7 and 8 will also be assessed across several learning areas. These include Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, Social Studies, Religious Education, Integrated Science, Agriculture, Creative Arts and Sports, and Pre-Technical Studies.
The range of subjects reflects the competency-based approach, where assessment is intended to provide information about learners’ progress across different areas rather than relying solely on traditional end-of-year examinations.
What headteachers and teachers need to do
KNEC’s instructions place an important responsibility on schools.
Headteachers will be required to access the assessment materials through the CBA Portal using their school credentials. Schools must then administer the relevant assessment tools and performance tasks to learners.
After administration, teachers will score the learners and ensure that the required assessment outcomes are uploaded within the stipulated period. Schools are also expected to retain relevant assessment records and evidence.
This makes early preparation important, particularly for schools that have large numbers of learners or limited access to computers and reliable internet connectivity.
Why September 28 is important
The September 28 date gives schools a clear starting point for the 2026 Term Three SBA exercise.
Teachers should therefore ensure that they are familiar with the CBA Portal procedures before the materials become available. Schools that experience login or technical difficulties will also need to address them early rather than waiting until the submission deadline approaches.
The October 23 deadline is particularly significant because it falls at the end of the regular third-term teaching period for basic education institutions.
Parents and learners should also take note
Although the assessment process is largely managed by schools and teachers, parents should take note of the September and October timelines.
Learners in the affected grades should attend school consistently and participate in the scheduled assessment activities. The SBA process forms part of the broader competency-based assessment system used to monitor learner progress.
Key dates at a glance
- September 28, 2026: Assessment tools become available through the CBA Portal.
- September–October 2026: Schools administer and score the relevant assessments.
- October 23, 2026: Deadline for uploading assessment scores.
KNEC’s latest guidelines therefore give schools a clear timetable for completing the 2026 School-Based Assessment cycle. With the September 28 release date approaching, headteachers and teachers have a narrow window to organise assessment administration, scoring and electronic submission before the October 23 deadline.
Click here for knec guidelines and circulars
2026 KNEC School-Based Assessment
