Parents, Learners Left Confused as New KJSEA Grading System Sparks Nationwide Questions

Confusion has spread across the country after the release of the first Kenya Junior School Education Assessment results. Many parents remain uncertain. Learners are also asking questions. The new grading system has proved difficult to understand.

The Ministry of Education announced the results earlier this week. Soon after, concern grew. The Competency-Based Education system introduced a new way of grading. It replaced the familiar A-to-E letters. Instead, it uses performance levels. Many families were unprepared for the shift.

In Kisii County, parents rushed to schools for clarity. At Kari Comprehensive School, dozens arrived despite the holiday. Many came with their children. These learners sat the pioneer Grade 9 assessment. Teachers tried to explain the results. Even so, anxiety remained high.

Parents say the system feels complex. They were used to points and ranks. Now, they see new terms. These include Exceeding Expectation and Below Expectation. For many, the wording is confusing. They fear it may affect senior school placement.

“This system is not clear,” said parent Erick Omboga. “Even after explanations, we are still struggling to understand it.”

Learners are also worried. Kari Primary School top student Gibios Nyamao shared his concern. His strongest results were in Arts and Sports. However, he wants to pursue STEM. He fears the grading may block his path. He appealed for government support.

Under the new system, each subject is graded out of eight points. Learners were assessed in nine learning areas. The highest possible score is 72 points. Results are grouped into four main levels.

Exceeding Expectation is the top category. It has two bands. The highest band covers scores of 90 to 100 percent. The second covers 75 to 89 percent. Meeting Expectation also has two bands. These range from 41 to 74 percent.

Approaching Expectation comes next. It ranges from 21 to 40 percent. Below Expectation is the lowest level. It covers scores from one to 20 percent.

Parents say the labels are unfamiliar. Many do not understand abbreviations like EE or BE. They want clearer guidance. They also want public education sessions.

Headteacher Maseno Abed said schools are responding. “Parents have come to us,” he said. “We are guiding them. Where we are unsure, we consult education officers.” As senior school placement draws closer, calls for clarity continue to grow.