KNEC Releases Term 3 Assessment Guidelines for Grades 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released guidelines for the 2026 Term Three School-Based Assessments (SBA), outlining the learners to be assessed, the subjects involved and the timelines schools must follow.
The guidelines are contained in a circular dated August 14, 2026, issued by KNEC Chief Executive Officer Dr David Njeng’ere. The assessment programme covers learners in Grades 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, while Grade 6 and Grade 9 learners will not take part in this particular Term Three SBA cycle.
Assessment Kick-off Dates
According to the KNEC guidelines, schools will access the assessment materials through the CBA portal from September 28, 2026.
After administering and marking the assessments, schools are required to upload learners’ scores by October 23, 2026.
This gives schools almost four weeks to download the assessment materials, administer the tests, mark the scripts and submit the results through the portal.
Grades to Sit the Term 3 Assessments
The assessment programme covers different grades as follows:
Grade 3
Grade 3 learners will undertake the Kenya Early Years Assessment (KEYA), focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy.
The assessed areas include:
– Mathematics Activities
– English Activities
Grades 4 and 5
Learners in Grades 4 and 5 will be assessed in several learning areas, including:
– Mathematics
– English
– Kiswahili
– Kenyan Sign Language
– Agriculture
– Science and Technology
– Social Studies
– Religious Education
– Creative Arts
Religious Education includes CRE, IRE and HRE, depending on the learner’s programme.
Grades 7 and 8
Junior School learners in Grades 7 and 8 will undertake assessments covering:
– Mathematics
– English
– Kiswahili
– Kenyan Sign Language
– Social Studies
– Religious Education
– Integrated Science
– Agriculture
– Creative Arts and Sports
– Pre-Technical Studies
Why Grade 6 and Grade 9 Are Exempted
Grade 6 and Grade 9 learners will not participate in the Term Three SBA exercise.
Grade 6 learners will instead concentrate on preparations for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), while Grade 9 learners will focus on the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
The exemption is intended to allow these candidates to concentrate on their respective national assessments without additional Term Three SBA requirements.
How to Access the Assessment Materials
Headteachers will be responsible for accessing the assessment tools through the KNEC CBA portal.
Schools with login problems can use the portal’s password recovery option to reset their credentials.
Once the materials have been downloaded, teachers will administer the assessments, mark the scripts using the official scoring guides and upload the learners’ results within the stipulated period. KNEC has also provided a user manual to guide schools through the process.
Colour Printing Requirement
KNEC has also provided guidance on reproducing assessment materials.
Where assessment papers contain colour photographs, diagrams, maps, charts or other illustrations, schools should reproduce them in colour so that learners can properly interpret the information.
Schools with appropriate digital facilities may alternatively display the assessment materials using devices such as computers, tablets or smartboards.
Headteachers are required to ensure that assessment records are properly maintained.
Schools should securely keep marked scripts, portfolios and other evidence generated during the assessment process. These records may be required for verification, moderation, auditing and tracking of learner progress.
What Teachers and Headteachers Should Do
Schools are encouraged to prepare early for the assessment exercise.
Headteachers should confirm that their CBA portal credentials are working and ensure that printers, computers, internet connectivity and other necessary resources are available.
Teachers handling Grades 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 should familiarize themselves with the KNEC assessment instructions and scoring guides before the materials become available.
Schools should also ensure that learners with special educational needs receive the appropriate support and assessment accommodations.
Key Dates
Activity| Date
- Assessment tools available| September 28, 2026
- Administration and marking| September–October 2026
- Final date for uploading scores| October 23, 2026
The Term Three SBA forms part of Kenya’s broader Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) assessment framework, which combines continuous assessment with written tests, projects and practical activities.
With the assessment portal opening on September 28, schools have been given a clear timeline to prepare, administer and submit results. Early preparation will be important to ensure that all learners are assessed and their scores uploaded before the October 23 deadline.
