The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced significant changes to the upcoming Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) examinations.
In a statement released on June 24, 2025, KNEC revealed that candidates will now be required to shade their answers in circles on Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets, marking a shift from the traditional method of drawing lines to mark responses ¹.
This change aims to improve accuracy, fairness, and digital processing during national exams. According to KNEC, shading circles reduces scanning errors in machine-marked sheets, ensures uniform grading, and aligns with global OMR standards.
To facilitate preparation, KNEC uploaded sample papers for KJSEA in January 2025 and made them available on the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) portal ².
Accessing Sample Papers and OMR Sheets
To access the sample papers, cover pages, and OMR sheets, schools can follow these steps:
– Step 1: Access the CBA Portal : Visit https://cba.knec.ac.ke to access the portal.
– Step 2: Log in: Use your Assessment Centre credentials (username and password) to log in.
– Step 3: Download Sample Papers: For KJSEA sample papers, open the Grade 9 portal, click on “Instructions & Sample Papers,” and download the desired papers.
– Step 4: Access Cover Pages and OMR Samples: For sample cover pages and OMR sheets, open either the Grade 9 or Grade 6 portal, click on “Download Sample Cover Page and OMR,” and download the necessary files.
Importance of Preparation
With less than six months to the exams, it’s crucial for schools to act now. Teachers should:
– Download sample papers: Integrate them into revision and conduct mock exams using the new format.
– Conduct OMR shading drills: Help students develop muscle memory for shading circles accurately.
– Verify portal access: Ensure no last-minute login issues.
Preparing for the New Exam Format
The new exam format requires candidates to shade their answers in circles, which can be beneficial in several ways:
– Improved accuracy: Shading circles reduces scanning errors in machine-marked sheets.
– Better exam readiness: Allows students to practice using the actual answer format.
– Uniform grading: Ensures consistent marking across schools nationwide.
However, some experts warn that this change may disadvantage students unfamiliar with OMR sheets. To mitigate this, schools should conduct thorough training sessions for teachers and students on the new format ¹.
Benefits for Kenyan Learners
The new exam format can have several benefits for Kenyan learners:
– Higher scoring potential: Clearer shading means fewer misreads.
– Reduced exam stress: Practicing in advance boosts confidence.
– Alignment with global OMR standards: Modernizes Kenya’s national assessments.
By accessing the sample papers and OMR sheets, schools can ensure that their students are well-prepared for the upcoming exams. KNEC’s efforts to provide resources and support will help schools adapt to the new format and achieve better results ².
