1.2 million candidates start KPSEA, to sit for five exam papers

Public and private primary schools across the country will today Monday start the 2024 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).

Already the candidates on Friday conducted rehearsals in preparation for the final assessment in primary school.

It will be the third  assessment of its kind and will see some 1.2 million candidates write their test between Monday and Wednesday.

On Friday rehearsals the students were briefed on the do’s and dont’s and were also tasked with preparing the classes to be used for the assessment by removing wall stickers, and charts and scrubbing clean their desks of any writings.

The KPSEA candidates will sit for five subject papers; Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Integrated Science and Social Studies and Creative Arts.

Integrated Science is one paper that combines Science and Technology, Agriculture, Home Science and Physical Health and Education.

Social Studies and Creative Arts is also one paper that combines Social Studies, Religious Studies (CRE/IRE/HRE), Art and Craft and Music.

The assessment lacks creative writing i.e, English Composition and Kiswahili Insha which used to be done during KCPE.

Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association chairman Johnson Nzioka said all is set for the assessment noting that this year, the exercise was much more relaxed as the assessment has eliminated the tense and cutthroat competition previously associated with final tests.

“Our teachers are fully prepared and they know what to do, given that they will be the ones to administer the test. KNEC has also provided the necessary support to the institutions to help in the administration of the exams,” Nzioka said.

Charles Ochome, the Kenya Private Schools Association chairman, also reiterated their preparedness for the test on Monday indicating that the institutions had put in place measures to ensure smooth operations.

“One thing we are keen on is to ensure we reset the mindset of our children and teachers so that they are relaxed while taking this assessment,” Ochome said.

This is even as Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that the government is working to prepare for the transition of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to universities by 2029.