Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said that Competency-Based Education marks a major milestone in the country’s ongoing transformation of the education sector.
The CS said that since the government began the rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the system has been implemented progressively across the learning pathway: two years in pre-primary, six years in primary school, three years in junior school, and three years in senior school.
He said that CBE is a forward-looking educational framework crafted to
ensure that learners acquire the skills, values, and attitudes needed to
succeed in a dynamic 21st-century environment.
“A key element of this framework is the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), administered at the end of junior school. This assessment evaluates learners’ competencies and guides their transition into senior school," he said.
"It represents a significant shift from traditional examinations by going beyond content knowledge to analyse learners’ strengths, attitudes, and areas of interest. The goal is to ensure that every learner is placed in a pathway where they can excel and fully realise their potential."
Ogamba said the purpose of the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) is threefold.
According to him, KJSEA evaluates the extent to which learners have attained the competencies required at the junior school level.
He said it provides essential feedback for placement into senior school pathways, including STEM, Arts, Sport Science, and Social Sciences.
The CS added that it supports progression and planning by aligning each learner’s next steps with their demonstrated strengths and interests.
“The KJSEA summative assessment comprises written examinations and dry projects. Most subjects feature a single written paper, while languages, Integrated Science, and selected other subjects include two papers to accommodate composition, practical, or project-based components,” CS Ogamba said.
According to the Ministry of Education, after the release of KJSEA results, senior school placement letters will be issued within one week.
The ministry said admission to senior schools begins on January 12, 2026. Placement decisions will consider merit, learner preferences, aptitude, equity, and school capacity.
The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has introduced a new dimension to senior school placement. Senior schools are now categorised into four tiers: National (C1), Extra-County (C2), County (C3), and Sub-County (C4).
More importantly, they admit learners based on specialised learning pathways, which include: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Social Sciences (Humanities, social studies, and related fields), Arts & Sports (Creative arts, performing arts, and athletics) and STEMS (Emerging blended pathways combining multiple areas).
This structure ensures that students can pursue areas aligned with their interests, strengths, and career aspirations, setting the foundation for holistic learning and development.
Ogamba assured that the ministry is ready to implement the placement system seamlessly.
