The Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), introduced with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), is raising concerns among parents and educators who fear it perpetuates educational inequalities despite aiming to deviate from traditional exam systems.

• Critics argue the KJSEA still rewards access to resources over actual ability, with learners in urban schools benefiting from better infrastructure and teachers compared to those in rural and marginalized areas.
• Schools reportedly reverted to exam-centred drilling and intensive coaching as the KJSEA approached, contradicting the CBC's emphasis on creativity and exploration.
• An education researcher noted, "When survival depends on performance, innovation becomes a luxury," highlighting how grades are prioritized over ideas.
• The KJSEA remains a high-stakes national gatekeeper, creating confusion and anxiety among families and learners regarding its grading and impact on future pathways.

The Kenyan government has granted 2025 KJSEA candidates a fresh opportunity to revise their senior school choices following dissatisfaction with initial placements.

• Candidates have a seven-day window, starting Tuesday, December 23, 2025, to make revisions.
• The announcement was made by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok.
• An automated system will guide the review, matching preferences with performance and school slot availability.

Starehe Boys’ and Starehe Girls’ Centres have clarified their admission process for the 2026 Grade 10 class, emphasizing that selections are still ongoing and not automatic after some candidates received premature notifications. Admission is based on multiple criteria, with financial need being the primary consideration, assessed through specific forms.

• 70 percent of admitted students must come from needy backgrounds, as per school charters.
• The centres are working with the Ministry of Education to obtain necessary data to complete the selection process expeditiously.
• The Ministry of Education has announced a seven-day review window starting December 23 to address concerns regarding the placement of Grade 9 learners into senior schools under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.