The Kenya Examinations Council (KNEC) has released the schedule and guidelines for the 2026 Grade 10 and vocational level School-Based Assessments (SBA), outlining how learners, teachers and schools will approach the competency-based assessments that will contribute to the learners’ final Grade 12 scores.
According to a circular issued by KNEC, the Grade 10 projects and practical assessments will be accessed from Wednesday, July 2, 2026, through the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) portal, while written tests will be conducted during the third term.
The council said the School-Based Assessments are a key component of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with the Grade 10 SBA contributing 15 percent of a learner’s overall score at the end of Grade 12.
Projects to Be Downloaded Through KNEC Portal
KNEC directed school principals to download the assessment tools from the CBA portal using their schools’ login credentials.
To access the portal, principals will log in using their username and password, after which a one-time password (OTP) will be sent to their registered mobile phone numbers.
Schools experiencing login challenges have been advised to use the “Forgot Password” option to reset their credentials.
The council said principals will be responsible for downloading the assessment tools, ensuring they are administered within the stipulated timelines, and uploading learners’ scores before the deadline.
Also Read: KNEC Introduces Online Option for Downloading KCSE Certificates: How to Apply
Deadline for Uploading Scores
All Grade 10 and vocational level SBA scores must be uploaded to the KNEC CBA portal by October 31, 2026.
The projects cover learners in the STEM, Social Sciences, Arts and Sports, and Vocational pathways.
Under STEM, learners will undertake assessments in subjects including Core Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Computer Science, Home Science, Agriculture, Aviation, Building Construction, Electricity, Metalwork, Power Mechanics, Woodwork, Media Technology, Marine and Fisheries Technology, and ICT.
Social Sciences assessments will cover English, Literature in English, Kiswahili, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, Sign Language, Arabic, French, German, Chinese Mandarin, Indigenous Languages and Community Service Learning.
Arts and Sports learners will complete projects in Music and Dance, Theatre and Film, Sports and Recreation, Fine Arts and Physical Education.
Vocational learners, on the other hand, will be assessed in Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Communication, Arts, ICT and Religion, Technical and Construction Skills, Textile, Fashion and Craft Design, as well as Beauty, Personal Care and Hospitality.
Teachers Directed to Follow Assessment Rubrics
KNEC instructed teachers to assess learners while they undertake projects and practical tasks using the scoring guides and rubrics provided in each assessment tool.
The council further directed schools to preserve all evidence generated during the assessments.
According to the guidelines, evidence may be stored electronically through videos, photographs and audio recordings to support the authenticity of learners’ work.
Schools have also been encouraged to source assessment materials from their immediate environment or improvise where necessary to reduce costs.
The council clarified that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Physical Education (PE) will only be assessed at the school level.
However, KNEC will upload sample assessment tools to guide teachers during the evaluation process.
Also Read: KNEC Opens Recruitment for 2026 KCSE Assessors: How to Apply Before Deadline
Warning Against Examination Malpractice
KNEC warned teachers against manipulating learners’ scores, saying that any deviation from the official scoring guides or uploading marks not based on actual learner performance will amount to examination malpractice.
The council said such actions will attract administrative sanctions under the provisions of the KNEC Act.
“Deviation in scoring, leading to over-awarding or uploading of fictitious scores not based on the learner’s work, shall be considered as malpractice and attract administrative action,” the council stated.
Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Grade 10 SBA projects available on CBA Portal | July 2, 2026 |
| Administration of projects and practicals | Term Two |
| Written SBA tests | Term Three |
| Deadline for uploading all SBA scores | October 31, 2026 |
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