The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) system is set for a major milestone this October as the inaugural cohort of Grade 9 learners prepares for the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
This national examination, which evaluates student performance across Grades 7, 8, and 9, officially marks the end of the Junior Secondary School (JSS) phase for this cohort.
According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the first cohort will sit for the KJSEA between October 27th and November 3rd, 2025.
The results will be instrumental in placing students into their preferred senior school pathways (STEM, social sciences, or arts & sports) starting in grade 10, replacing the former Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
Meanwhile, a crucial aspect of the CBC system is its inclusive approach to learners with disabilities.
According to an article by The Star, for students with mild physical, hearing, and visual disabilities, KNEC integrates them into the standard age-based pathway, where they follow the same curriculum and assessments as other learners. However, students with severe and intellectual disabilities follow a distinct stage-based curriculum which prioritizes individualized progression over a fixed academic calendar.
KNEC assesses these learners when they demonstrate readiness, rather than adhering to a predetermined timetable.
Given the nature of their disabilities, there are no written examinations; instead, evaluations are performance-based, with teachers using scoring guides to assess acquired skills through observation.
The stage-based curriculum is structured into four levels. The journey begins at the Foundational Level, determined by the severity of the student's disability, which concludes with the Kenya Foundational Level Education Assessment.
Next is the Intermediate Level, covering seven learning areas, which students exit upon passing the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment.
The third stage is the Pre-Vocational Level, introducing skills to help learners identify their abilities before they take the Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment.
The final stage is the Vocational Level, where learners specialize in a skill of interest, culminating in the Kenya Vocational Level Education Assessment.
KNEC emphasizes that input from each stage-based evaluation is carefully used to determine the student's readiness and smooth passage to the next level of the curriculum.
Tags: Ministry Of Education NCPWD Pwds Jss Julius Ogamba KJSEA KNEC Editor's Pick
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Selestine Nyongesa
Experienced and versatile writer, dedicated to using my exceptional writing and editing skills to inform and advocate. My work focuses on educating and entertaining readers on a range of topics, with a particular expertise in matters of disability.