The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released guidelines and the schedule for the 2026 Grade 10 School-Based Assessment (SBA) written tests.
According to a circular dated August 14, 2026, the written assessment tests will be uploaded to the KNEC Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) Portal, where schools will access the assessment materials.
The assessments will cover subjects under the STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports categories.
KNEC Grade 10 SBA Tests Set for October
KNEC has set October 5, 2026, as the date when schools will be able to access the Grade 10 SBA written assessment tools.
Schools will then have until October 23, 2026, to administer the assessments, score the learners, and upload the results to the CBA Portal.
The October 5 access date and October 23 deadline apply to all the subjects listed in the KNEC schedule.
STEM Subjects
The STEM category includes nine subjects: Core Mathematics, Essential Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Computer Studies, Home Science, Agriculture, and Electricity.
The assessment tools for the subjects will be available to schools from October 5, 2026, with scores required to be uploaded by October 23, 2026.
Also Read: KNEC Pressed to Reveal Details of 2026 National Exams Printing Contract
Social Sciences Subjects
The Social Sciences category will cover six subjects, including Christian Religious Education (CRE), Hindu Religious Education (HRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE), Business Studies, History & Citizenship, and Geography.
The Arts and Sports category will comprise of Sports & Recreation and Music and Dance.
How schools Will Access the Tests
KNEC said schools will access the written tests through the Competency-Based Assessment Portal.
Principals will be required to log into the portal using their school credentials, including the username and password.
KNEC will then send a one-time password (OTP) to the phone number registered with KNEC to complete the login process.
Schools experiencing password-related challenges have been directed to use the “forgot password” option available on the portal.
KNEC has placed responsibility for the assessment process on school principals and subject teachers.
Principals will download the assessment tools, while subject teachers will administer the tests, mark them, and upload the assessment outcomes for all learners within the set timeframe.
KNEC said a detailed user manual is available on the CBA Portal to guide schools through accessing the assessment tools, administering the tests, scoring and uploading learners’ results.
Also Read: KNEC Releases 2025 KPSEA and KJSEA School-Specific Reports: How to Access and Download
Schools to Print Colour Assessment Materials
KNEC has also issued instructions on how schools should handle assessment tools containing colour images.
Schools have been advised to print such materials in colour or load them onto digital devices available at the school.
Principals have further been directed to keep all records and evidence generated during the assessment process.
The council said the guidelines and dates are intended to help schools prepare and plan for the 2026 Grade 10 School-Based Assessment.
2026 Grade 10 School-Based Assessment Schedule
| Subject | Date to be Accessed | Last Date to Upload Scores |
|---|---|---|
| STEM | October 5, 2026 | October 23, 2026 |
| i) Core Mathematics | ||
| ii) Essential Mathematics | ||
| iii) Chemistry | ||
| iv) Physics | ||
| v) Biology | ||
| vi) Computer Studies | ||
| vii) Home Science | ||
| viii) Agriculture | ||
| ix) Electricity | ||
| Social Sciences | October 5, 2026 | October 23, 2026 |
| i) Christian Religious Education (CRE) | ||
| ii) Hindu Religious Education (HRE) | ||
| iii) Islamic Religious Education (IRE) | ||
| iv) Business Studies | ||
| v) History & Citizenship | ||
| vi) Geography | ||
| Arts & Sports | October 5, 2026 | October 23, 2026 |
| i) Sports & Recreation | ||
| ii) Music and Dance |
In a separate circular, KNEC also outlined the 2026 SBA arrangements for learners in Grades 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, as well as pupils under the Stage-Based Curriculum.
The materials for these assessments will be accessible from September 28, with schools required to complete the submission of scores by October 23.
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