Term 2, 2024 Assessment of Grades 7 and 8 – Clarification and Instructions

Reference: KNEC/GEN/TD/CIR/CBA/2024/002
Date: March 6, 2024

Dear (i) Sub County Directors of Education, (ii) Heads of Junior Schools, and (iii) Heads of Prevocational Level Schools,

RE: Administration of the Year 2024 Grade 7, Grade 8, and Prevocational Level School-Based Assessment

In line with the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is providing guidelines for the assessment of Grade 7, Grade 8, and Prevocational Level students during Term 2 of the 2024 academic year.

1. Assessment Tools Availability:

• The School-Based Assessment tools for Grade 7 and 8 (Age-Based Pathway) and Prevocational Level (Stage-Based Pathway) will be accessible on the KNEC CBA portal.

1. Accessing the Assessment Portal:

• Headteachers are required to log in to the CBA portal at https://cba.knec.ac.ke. For any password-related issues, please contact the respective Sub-County Director of Education for assistance.

1. Assessment Administration:

• Schools must administer the assessment tools within the specified timeframe and subsequently upload the outcomes on the CBA portal.

1. Assessment Tool Formats:

• The SBA tools for Grade 7 and 8 will be available in PDF and digital formats through the CBA portal.
  • PDF Format: Schools will download and distribute tools in print or digital formats.
  • Digital Format: Individual learners will access tools via digital devices (e.g., DLP tablets) using their assessment numbers.

1. Display on CBA Portal:

• Both formats will be displayed on the CBA portal dashboard, allowing flexibility in accessing tools directly through digital devices or opting for PDF format.

1. Prevocational Level Assessment:

• Prevocational Level assessment tools will be accessed in PDF format by teachers.

1. Scoring and Guidelines:

• Teachers will assess learners using performance-based tasks, following guidelines provided in the tools.

1. User Manual:

• A detailed user manual on accessing tools, instructions, scoring guides, and uploading scores is available on the CBA portal.

1. Printing and Color Images:

• Assessment tools with color images should be printed in color or loaded on digital devices. Learners should answer questions on separate answer sheets provided by the school.

1. Record Keeping:
   • Headteachers are requested to keep all records and evidence generated from the assessments.
2. Materials Procurement:
   • Materials required for assessments should be obtained from the immediate school environment or improvised where possible.
3. Access Schedule for Assessment Tools:
   • The tools will be accessible as per the following schedule:
     • Grade 7 (Subjects with Project, Practicals, & Performance Tasks): July 1, 2024
     • Grade 8 (Subjects with Project, Practica, & Performance Tasks): July 1, 2024
     • Grade 7 (Written tests) and Grade 8 (Written tests): Subject-specific dates provided.

This information is crucial for your adequate preparation and planning.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Njengere, MBS
Chief Executive Officer
Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)