24 June 2025 – The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued a critical update for teachers and schools regarding the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA). In a late-evening statement on 24th June 2025, the Council announced significant changes to exam response formats and reminded schools of available resources.
Here’s everything you need to know—and why these updates could reshape how students prepare for their national exams.
Breaking: KNEC Drops Bombshell on Exam Format Changes
1. Sample Papers Were Available Since January – Did Your School Miss Them?
KNEC revealed that KJSEA sample papers were uploaded to the KNEC portal in January 2025—meaning schools have had six months to access and use them for student preparation.
However, concerns linger over whether all institutions downloaded these crucial materials. A spot check by our team found that some rural schools were unaware of the updates, raising fears of a preparation gap between well-resourced and underserved regions.
Why this matters:
- Schools that missed the samples may now be scrambling to adjust lesson plans.
- KNEC’s portal requires specific login credentials, which some teachers claim are not always accessible.
2. Major Shift: Students Must Now Shade CIRCLES, Not Draw Lines
In a move that has caught many educators off guard, KNEC confirmed that 2025 KPSEA and KJSEA candidates will shade responses in CIRCLES—a departure from the previous line-drawing method.
What this means for students:
- Faster marking process: Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) machines process circles more efficiently.
- Reduced errors: Shading minimizes ambiguity compared to uneven lines.
- Training needed: Teachers must urgently train pupils on the new format to avoid costly mistakes.
Expert reaction:
Dr. Wanjiku Mwangi, an education assessment specialist, warns:
“This change, while logical for automation, risks disadvantaging students unfamiliar with OMR sheets. Schools must conduct mock exams using the new format immediately.”
Step-by-Step: How to Access KNEC’s Sample Papers & OMR Sheets
KNEC’s portal—https://cba.knec.ac.ke—holds all necessary materials. Here’s how to get them:
Step 1: Log in to the CBA Portal
- Use your Assessment Centre credentials (username and password).
- Trouble logging in? KNEC advises contacting their support desk.
Step 2: Download KJSEA Sample Papers
- Open the Grade 9 Portal.
- Click “Instructions & Sample Papers”.
- Select and download the desired subject papers.
Step 3: Access KPSEA/KJSEA Cover Pages & OMR Samples
- Go to Grade 6 (KPSEA) or Grade 9 (KJSEA) portal.
- Click “Download Sample Cover Page and OMR”.
- Available files include:
- English Language (Sample Cover Page)
- Kiswahili Lugha (Sample Cover Page)
- Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) (Sample Cover Page + OMR)
Step 4: Log Out & Secure Credentials
- Always log out to prevent unauthorized access.
- Never share passwords—leaks could compromise exam integrity.
Why Schools Must Act NOW
With less than six months to the exams, delays could be catastrophic. Key actions for teachers:
✅ Download all sample papers and integrate them into revision.
✅ Conduct OMR shading drills—students need muscle memory for circles.
✅ Verify portal access—ensure no last-minute login issues.
KNEC’s Silent Message: No More Excuses
The Council’s statement carries an implicit warning: schools have had ample time to prepare. Those still unprepared risk poor performance, which could trigger audits or even de-registration for recurrent failures.
Our verdict: While KNEC’s updates aim to modernize assessments, the tight timeline and access disparities threaten fairness. The Ministry of Education must step in to bridge the digital divide—before it’s too late.
