KPSEA exams kick off with Mathematics and English papers

By Robert Mutasi 

On Monday, October 28,2024, the much-anticipated Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) kicked off across the country. 

Over the next few days, thousands of Grade 6 pupils will sit for the national exams, which are essential in determining their transition into junior secondary education.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) officially released the detailed timetable for the exams, with the first day focusing on two key subjects: Mathematics and English.

 The day’s proceedings began at 8:30 a.m., with all pupils expected to sit for their Mathematics paper.

In adherence to inclusivity, KNEC has provided variations of the exam papers to cater to students with special needs.

The Mathematics paper was offered in three formats: standard print, large print, and Braille. The standard Mathematics and large-print versions were scheduled for a 1 hour 20-minute session, running from 8:30 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. 

Pupils who required the Braille version, however, were allocated additional time, extending their session to 1 hour 50 minutes, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.

A brief break was scheduled after the Mathematics paper, lasting from 10:20 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., giving the pupils a chance to relax before tackling the second subject of the day: English.

The English session, which commenced at 10:50 a.m., followed a similar structure to the morning Mathematics paper. Standard, large print, hearing-impaired, and Braille versions of the English paper were provided to ensure that all pupils could participate fully. 

The standard and large-print papers were to be completed in one hour, ending at 11:50 a.m. 

The hearing-impaired and Braille versions were allotted additional time, allowing pupils to work for 1 hour 20 minutes, until 12:10 p.m.

The KPSEA is crucial for learners, as the results will play a pivotal role in determining their transition into the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) junior secondary school. 

The exams, spread over a few days, include core subjects such as Science, Social Studies, and Kiswahili, and mark the culmination of Grade 6 pupils' primary school education.

KNEC has assured the public of heightened security and integrity measures to prevent exam malpractice and ensure the credibility of the assessments.

As pupils prepare for subsequent papers, the nation remains hopeful for a successful examination period that will set the tone for the future of Kenya’s education system.