Kenya is set to participate for the first time in the prestigious Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced.
The international assessment, scheduled for September 2025, will evaluate how 15 to 16-year-old students apply their knowledge in Science, Reading, and Mathematics to solve real-life problems focusing on practical understanding rather than memorisation.
PISA is coordinated by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and currently includes over 90 countries.
According to KNEC, Kenya’s debut aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the Competency-Based Education (CBE) to ensure Kenyan learners are globally competitive.
“PISA offers a unique opportunity to compare our learners’ outcomes with international benchmarks. The data will help guide policy decisions, curriculum reforms, teacher training, and resource allocation,” KNEC stated.
Only a sample of schools and students will be selected to take part in the assessment, but the results are expected to influence reforms across the entire education system.
KNEC has called on all stakeholders including school leaders, teachers, parents, and communities to support the initiative.
“Kenya is ready. Our learners are capable. Let’s support them!” the exams body urged.
