Kenya is set to join the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) for the first time in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s education reforms. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has confirmed the nation’s debut in the global assessment, scheduled for September next year.
PISA, administered by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), is a triennial international survey that evaluates the competencies of 15 to 16-year-old students in Reading, Mathematics, and Science. Unlike traditional exams that emphasize rote learning, PISA focuses on how well students can apply their knowledge to real-world problems reflecting a shift towards practical, competency-based learning.
Over 90 countries currently participate in PISA, using the assessment data to benchmark student performance, inform education policies, and drive reforms. Kenya’s participation is part of its broader strategy to strengthen the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework, introduced to equip learners with 21st-century skills and global competitiveness.
“PISA offers a unique opportunity to compare our learners’ outcomes with international benchmarks,” KNEC stated. “The data will help guide policy decisions, curriculum reforms, teacher training, and resource allocation.”
The assessment will involve a representative sample of schools and students across the country. Although only a select group will take the test, the findings are expected to shape nationwide reforms in teaching methods, learning materials, and education priorities.
KNEC has called on all education stakeholders school leaders, teachers, parents, and communities to support the initiative, stressing its importance in shaping Kenya’s educational future. “Kenya is ready. Our learners are capable. Let’s support them!” urged the exams body.
The move is seen as a bold step towards aligning Kenya’s education system with global standards and ensuring that learners are not only academically proficient but also equipped to solve complex, real-world challenges.
As the country prepares for the 2025 assessment, education experts say the initiative could help identify strengths and gaps in the system, ultimately benefiting all Kenyan learners.
