The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released the 2025 Term Three School-Based Assessments (SBA) for primary and junior secondary schools. The SBA assessments are part of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and will help evaluate learners’ academic progress across all grades.
Key Dates and Instructions
In a circular issued by KNEC, schools are required to:
- Download the SBA tools from the KNEC CBA portal on 29th September 2025.
- Administer, score and upload the assessment results into the KNEC Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) portal by 23rd October 2025.
The assessment tools for each grade have both written tests and performance tasks. While Grade 6 and 9 will not be doing the SBA written tests to focus on their final national exams (KPSEA and KJSEA respectively), other grades will do the assessments according to their curriculum.
SBA Assessments by Grade
- Grade 3:
Written tests in Mathematics and English. - Grade 4 & 5:
Assessments in Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Social Studies, Religious Education (CRE/IRE/HRE) and Creative Arts. - Grade 7 & 8:
SBA assessments will include English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Kenyan Sign Language, Integrated Science, Agriculture, Social Studies, Religious Education (CRE/IRE/HRE), Creative Arts and Sports and Pre-Technical Studies.
Contribution to Final Assessments
The SBA written tests and practical assessments in Grade 7 and 8 contribute 10% to the final Grade 9 KJSEA. SBA plays a big role in evaluating students’ competencies and preparing them for their final assessments.
Accessing the Assessment Tools
In the circular, KNEC has provided the following instructions for schools:
- Accessing the SBA Tools:
Headteachers are required to log in to the CBA portal at https://cba.knec.ac.ke. Schools encountering password challenges should contact their Sub-County Director of Education for assistance. - Uploading Assessment Outcomes:
After administering the SBA, schools are expected to score and upload the assessment outcomes onto the CBA portal within the stipulated timeframe (by October 23, 2025). - Print and Digital Format:
The assessment tools, which include colour images, should be printed in colour or loaded onto the available digital devices in the school. - Record Keeping:
Headteachers are urged to maintain all records and evidence generated from the assessments for future reference.
Performance Tasks for Special Needs Education (SNE)
In addition to the written tests for Grades 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8, learners in the SNE Foundation Level will engage in performance tasks. These tasks will assess Activities of Daily Living and Communication, Social and Pre-Literacy Skills.
SBA Tools Access Schedule
The SBA tools for various grades will be available for download on September 29, 2025, with the following upload deadline set for October 23, 2025:
| Grade | Subjects for SBA | Date to Access | Date to Upload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | Mathematics, English | 29th September 2025 | 23rd October 2025 |
| Grade 4 & 5 | Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Social Studies, Religious Education (CRE/IRE/HRE), Creative Arts | 29th September 2025 | 23rd October 2025 |
| Grade 7 & 8 | English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Kenyan Sign Language, Integrated Science, Agriculture, Social Studies, Religious Education (CRE/IRE/HRE), Creative Arts, Sports, Pre-Technical Studies | 29th September 2025 | 23rd October 2025 |
| SNE Foundation Level | Activities of Daily Living, Communication, Social and Pre-Literacy Skills | 29th September 2025 | 23rd October 2025 |
Support and Resources
To help schools navigate the SBA process, KNEC has provided:* User guide: This guide has step by step instructions on how to access the tools, scoring guides and upload learners’ scores to the CBA portal.
- Customer support: Schools experiencing issues with login credentials or any other challenges can contact their Sub-County Director of Education for assistance.
Conclusion
The release of 2025 SBA written tests is a big milestone in the implementation of Competency-Based Curriculum in Kenya. These assessments will provide valuable data on learners’ academic progress and shape their learning journey. Schools should follow the instructions carefully and meet the deadlines to ensure SBA is administered for all relevant grades.
