TSC and Education Ministry Launch Nationwide School Inspection Exercise
TSC and Education Ministry Launch Nationwide School Inspection Exercise,The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has launched a nationwide school inspection targeting both primary and junior secondary institutions.
The inspection teams include officials from TSC County and Sub-County Directors, Curriculum Support Officers (CSOs), and Ministry of Education directors. The main goal is to assess Grade 9 class readiness, teaching standards, sanitation, staffing, instructional materials, and overall school infrastructure.
Focus on Grade 9 Classrooms and Learning Materials
Despite heavy government investment, many schools are still struggling to complete Grade 9 classrooms. The inspection will help determine the status of infrastructure development and the quality of learning environments.
During Term 2, schools received rationalized textbooks, with primary schools receiving books for two classes and junior secondary getting one class covered.
Teachers Told to Prepare Professional Documents
School Heads of Institutions (HOIs) have directed teachers to update key professional documents ahead of the inspection. These include:
- Schemes of Work
- Lesson Plans
- Class Attendance Registers
- Progress Records
- Records of Work Covered
Deputy and Headteachers are also required to maintain lesson observation forms in line with the Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) system. Additionally, heads must submit updated Performance Contracts to their respective TSC Sub-County Directors.
SBA Projects Underway in Primary and Junior Schools
The inspection coincides with the ongoing School-Based Assessments (SBAs) for Grades 4 and 5. Schools have until May 31, 2025, to upload assessment scores to the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) portal, according to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
The SBA projects cover:
- Science and Technology
- Creative Arts and Sports
- Agriculture and Nutrition
KNEC had uploaded the assessment tools in March, and schools were instructed to use local and improvised materials to minimize costs. Most schools have reportedly completed their practicals and are finalizing score submissions.
KNEC emphasized that all records and evidence from assessments must be retained by schools for accountability and reference.
Project Assessments for Grades 3 to 9
Various classes across the primary and junior levels are conducting performance-based projects:
Grade 3 (Integrated Learning Assessment – ILA)
Combines multiple learning areas.
Grades 4 & 5
Science & Tech, Creative Arts, Agriculture – Upload Deadline: 31st May 2025
Grades 7 & 8
Projects in Agriculture, Creative Arts, and Integrated Science – Upload Deadline: 31st July 2025
Grade 9
Ongoing KJSEA Projects in Creative Arts and Sports. A KES 500 penalty applies for late submission of scores.
Special Needs Education (SNE)
Intermediate and Foundation levels are also conducting performance tasks in communication, daily living skills, creative activities, and motor skills.
Grade 9 Online Qualifying Test Set for June 2025
Grade 9 learners will sit for an online Qualifying Test (QT) organized by KNEC from June 9–11, 2025, as a prerequisite for the upcoming Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
Here is the full KNEC timetable:
| Day | Time | Paper | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | — | Rehearsal Day | — |
| Tuesday | 8:30am – 10:30am | Mathematics (QT-JS 903) | 2 hours |
| 10:30am – 11:30am | Break | 1 hour | |
| 11:30am – 1:10pm | English (QT-JS 901) | 1 hour 40 minutes | |
| Wednesday | 8:30am – 10:10am | Integrated Science (QT-JS 905) | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| 10:10am – 11:10am | Break | 1 hour | |
| 11:10am – 12:50pm | Kiswahili (QT-JS 902) | 1 hour 40 minutes |
Half Term Break Approaching
The inspection exercise is expected to be completed before schools break for half term on June 24, 2025.
Stay tuned to Jobs Daily for real-time updates on TSC inspections, teacher requirements, and KNEC assessments.
