Competency Based Assessment

The Kenya National Examinations Council is responsible for the assessment of learners in Kenya. A new assessment system called Competency Based Assessment (CBA) was introduced, which is a learner-centered approach to assessment that focuses on what learners can do, rather than what they know.

CBA is based on the Competency-Based Education (CBE), which was introduced in Kenya in 2018. The CBE is a holistic system that aims to develop learners’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values. CBA is an integral part of the CBC, and it is used to measure learners’ progress and achievement.

CBA is a continuous process that takes place throughout the learning cycle. It involves a variety of assessment methods, including:

Formative assessment: This is ongoing assessment that is used to provide feedback to learners and teachers. Formative assessment can be used to identify areas where learners need additional support, and to track their progress over time.
Summative assessment: This is assessment that is conducted at the end of a unit of learning, or at the end of a course or program. Summative assessment is used to measure learners’ achievement of the learning outcomes.

CBA is a fair and comprehensive assessment system that measures learners’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations. It is a key component of the CBC, and it is essential for ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to succeed.

Benefits

Learner Centered
CBA focuses on what learners can do, rather than what they know. This helps to ensure that learners are actively engaged in the learning process, and that they are developing the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life
Continuous
CBA is a continuous process that takes place throughout the learning cycle. This helps to ensure that learners are constantly being assessed, and that they are receiving feedback on their progress.
Comprehensive
CBA uses a variety of assessment methods, including formative and summative assessment. This helps to ensure that learners are being assessed on their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.