The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued new guidelines for the administration of Grade 4 and Grade 5 projects and practical assessments in 2026, outlining how schools should conduct competency-based evaluations under the CBC system.
The updated framework is aimed at strengthening continuous assessment while ensuring consistency, fairness, and credibility across all learning institutions.
Focus on Competency-Based Assessment
The new guidelines emphasise practical learning, requiring learners to demonstrate skills and understanding through hands-on projects rather than relying solely on written exams.
Teachers are expected to guide learners throughout the assessment process, ensuring that each project reflects individual effort and mastery of competencies.
KNEC noted that the assessments will contribute to the overall learner profile, forming a key component of national evaluation under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Teacher Supervision and Integrity Measures
Teachers will play a central role in supervising the projects, from planning to execution and scoring.
KNEC has directed that:
- All projects must be completed within the school environment
- Teachers must ensure authenticity of learners’ work
- Any form of external assistance or plagiarism will lead to penalties
Schools are also required to maintain proper records of assessment scores and submit them within the timelines provided by the council.
Standardised Assessment Tools
To ensure uniformity, KNEC has provided structured rubrics and marking schemes for teachers to use when evaluating learners.
These tools are designed to:
- Promote fairness in scoring
- Align assessments with curriculum objectives
- Ensure consistency across different schools nationwide
The council has urged teachers to strictly adhere to the provided guidelines to avoid discrepancies in learner evaluation.
Integration of Practical Subjects
The projects will cover various learning areas including:
- Science and Technology
- Agriculture
- Creative Arts
- Home Science
Learners will be required to apply classroom knowledge in real-life situations, reinforcing the CBC’s goal of nurturing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Submission Timelines and Reporting
KNEC has set specific timelines for the completion and submission of assessment scores.
Schools must ensure that:
- All projects are completed within the designated period
- Scores are uploaded through the official KNEC portal
- Records are properly documented for verification
Failure to comply with the timelines may affect learners’ final assessment records.
Strengthening CBC Implementation
Education stakeholders have welcomed the guidelines, noting that they provide clarity and structure to the assessment process.
The move is part of broader efforts to streamline CBC implementation and ensure that learners are evaluated holistically, beyond traditional examination methods.
KNEC reiterated its commitment to improving the quality of education by focusing on skills development, creativity, and practical application of knowledge.
