Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba visited Makueni County on Monday, October 26, 2026, to oversee the distribution of materials for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA). The inspections were conducted by multi-agency teams monitoring the administration of the exams. Ogamba observed the opening of Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examination containers, ensuring the process adhered to protocol.
KNEC issued a warning to over 3.6 million candidates ahead of the assessments, urging strict adherence to rules to prevent cheating. The exams are part of Kenya’s broader shift from the 8-4-4 education system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This transition emphasizes practical skills, continuous assessment, and learner-centered education. The KPSEA and KJSEA are designed to evaluate students’ understanding and application of knowledge rather than rote memorization.
The move follows years of reform efforts aimed at improving educational outcomes and aligning Kenya’s system with global standards. The CBC was introduced in 2017, replacing the previous structure that divided education into eight years of primary, four years of secondary, and four years of university. The new system focuses on competencies, real-world application, and holistic development. The KPSEA and KJSEA serve as key milestones in this transition, providing data to refine the curriculum and support teacher training.
The assessments are being administered in a phased manner across the country, with strict security measures in place. KNEC has deployed additional personnel to monitor exam centers and has introduced digital tools to detect irregularities. The results will inform policy decisions and guide future educational reforms.
