Primary Schools Get Reprieve as KNEC Extends SBA Submission Deadline to June 15

Compliance Warning Issued as KNEC Moves Grade 4 and 5 Upload Deadline to Mid-June

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has officially granted primary schools a reprieve, extending the deadline for uploading Grade 4 and 5 School Based Assessment (SBA) project scores.

Schools, which initially faced a May 29th cutoff, now have until June 15, 2026, to finalize their submissions on the Competency Based Assessment (CBA) online portal.

This extension comes in response to reports that a significant number of institutions had failed to complete their uploads by the initial deadline.

A message directed to heads of institutions from KNEC stated:

“Following closure of the portal for the upload of Grade 4 and 5 SBA scores, it has been noted that some institutions either partially uploaded or did not upload their scores. In response to numerous requests received, KNEC has reopened the portal for a further two weeks effective today. You are requested to utilize this opportunity to complete all pending uploads and address any gaps… Please note that penalties may apply for non-compliance after the extended deadline.”

Technical Hurdles and System Migration

While the extension provides much-needed relief, many primary school headteachers have expressed frustration with the new CBA uploading platform.

Educators argue that the system is complex and requires more training to navigate effectively.

Key features of the new, more rigorous uploading process include:

One-Time Password (OTP) Authentication: A mandatory security layer for portal access.

Decentralized Access: Headteachers must now generate unique usernames and passwords for individual teachers, allowing them to upload scores for their specific project areas.

Learner Re-registration: Students must be registered afresh within the new grade before any scores can be entered.

KNEC has previously implemented a staggered submission schedule to mitigate the strain on the portal caused by the high volume of data. Currently, the “red zone” strictly concerns Grade 4 and 5, while other cohorts remain on a different timeline:

Grade Level	Submission Deadline
Grade 4 and 5	June 15, 2026
Grades 3, 7, and 8	July 31, 2026

Schools are required to submit scores for three core learning areas: Science and Technology, Agriculture, and Creative Arts and Sports.

High Stakes for Compliance

Regional KNEC officials have issued stern warnings against procrastination, cautioning that attempting to access the portal during the final 48 hours is a “recipe for disaster” due to system congestion.

The SBA cycle remains a cornerstone of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with Term 2 dedicated to projects and practicals, and Term 3 focused on written assessments.

The urgency is compounded by significant consequences for non-compliance; failing to meet the June 15th deadline may attract a penalty of Sh1,000 per learner and could potentially trigger an official audit of the school’s assessment management practices.

As the new deadline approaches, school administrations across the country are working to validate and upload their data to ensure they successfully close this assessment cycle.

This recent extension mirrors similar measures taken for senior schools, which were recently granted an additional two weeks to register as CBA centers in preparation for Grade 10 assessments.

Are there specific technical challenges your school is facing with the new CBA portal that you would like more information on?