Kenya is set to take part in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) for the first time ever, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced.

In an announcement on Sunday, August 3, the agency said the evaluation brings together over 90 countries in an effort to assess the quality and effectiveness of their education systems.

According to KNEC, the assessment which is run by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) will be conducted in September 2025.

The council explained that PISA evaluates how well students can apply knowledge in Science, Reading, and Mathematics to solve real-life problems.

"As Kenya implements the Competency Based Education (CBE), 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,” the statement read.

KNEC added that the assessment will involve a select sample of schools and students across the country. 

"While a sample of schools and students will be selected for the assessment, the results will inform policy and practice across all schools in the country. Everyone—school leaders, teachers, education officers, parents, and communities—has a stake in this process. Are you ready to play your part?" the statement added.

PISA has been conducted every three years since its launch in 2000 and has become the leading global indicator of education performance.

It evaluates how well 15-year-old students are prepared for real-life challenges by assessing their skills and knowledge in reading, mathematics, and science. 

Unlike traditional exams, PISA does not test curriculum content but focuses on how students apply what they’ve learned to solve practical problems.