NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya is getting ready to join the world stage in education testing, with fresh guidelines now in place for students and schools ahead of the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) released the official instructions on Friday, confirming that the assessment will take place in September 2025. It will target 15-year-old learners who are in Grade 7 or above—a group viewed internationally as nearing the end of compulsory schooling.
“This age group is chosen because most students at this age are nearing the end of compulsory education, making it a key point to assess learning outcomes across different education systems,” KNEC said in a public notice.
The PISA test, led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), doesn’t just measure what students remember—it asks how they apply what they’ve learned. The assessment focuses on real-life problem-solving in science, mathematics, and reading.
Over 250 Kenyan schools—both junior and secondary—have been selected to take part. KNEC said the selection was made using probability sampling, a scientific method that ensures the group represents the full diversity of Kenya’s education system.
Importantly, that means schools from rural, marginalised, and underserved regions will participate, not just those in urban areas.
In each chosen school, up to 42 students, regardless of their grade or class level, will be randomly selected to sit the exam.
Unlike traditional paper exams, the PISA test will be computer-based, in line with the global standard since 2015. KNEC confirmed that it will supply laptops for the students during the testing period.
“Computer-based assessment allows for more interactive and adaptive testing,” KNEC explained, noting that this format is better at capturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Teachers may also play a part, especially in helping mark open-ended responses.
KNEC believes the results from PISA will help Kenya identify gaps and strengths in its education system. “These insights will inform curriculum reforms, teacher training, and resource allocation to enhance learning outcomes for all students,” the agency said.
The main survey is expected in September 2025, with full results and data analysis to follow in 2026. KNEC said it would continue updating the public through official platforms as the process moves forward.
With over 90 countries taking part, PISA is one of the world’s largest and most influential education assessments. For Kenya, it’s a chance not just to measure its students—but to reflect on the future of learning itself.