KPSEA results to be released before January

David Njengere, the CEO of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), has said that the marking of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) took priority over grade six Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) to give the 1.4 million students time to prepare for high school.

"Allow me to inform the parents of children who sat for KPSEA that the marking of KCPE was prioritized to allow the ministry time to place the 1.4 candidates in secondary schools enough time," Njengere said.

Njengere assured the public that the KPSEA results were in the final stages of preparation.

Speaking during the release of the concluded KCPE exams on November 23, he outlined the three levels of reporting, including individual learner reports, school-specific reports, and a national report.

“The KNEC is finalizing the KPSEA and we are committing ourselves to make sure that these reports are ready before these learners are ready for junior secondary schools in January of 2024, he said"

In contrast to the elaborate release ceremonies for the KCPE, the KPSEA exams will see a quieter unveiling.

Candidates underwent assessments in five subjects: Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Integrated Science, and Social Studies, and Creative Arts.

Integrated Science featured a comprehensive paper combining Science and Technology, Agriculture, Home Science, and Physical Health and Education. Similarly, Social Studies and Creative Arts were consolidated into one paper, encompassing Social Studies, religious studies (CRE/IRE/HRE), Arts and Crafts, and Music.

This year's cohort, comprising approximately 1.4 million candidates, marked the final group to undertake the KCPE as the country transitions to the full implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in primary schools.

The shift to the KPSEA examinations aligns with the new curriculum's objectives.

Speaking on the transition, Joe Nyutu, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, wished the candidates well, saying that CBC will allow learners to be assessed at multiple levels and not just academics. Nyutu further posits that the CBC, because of its approach will address employment issues.

Adding to the sentiments MP Julius Melly, Chair of the National Assembly Education Committee, highlighted parliamentary efforts to ensure the integrity of national exams.

He acknowledged the challenges associated with KPSEA but urged a careful assessment of the system, saying that Parliament has ensured that National Exams are above board.

Melly went on to say that the Ministry implemented resolutions highlighted by the Public Inquiry on Education Committee, and thus challenges will be addressed. 

As the nation eagerly anticipates the release of KPSEA results, this will mark the second exam under CBC, the education sector is bracing for a new era marked by the full adoption of the Competency-Based Curriculum.

KPSEA 2022 examinations started on November 28, 2022, and ended on November 30, 2022. A total of 1,253,577 students sat for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) 2022 exam.