KCSE Exams Kick Off With Nearly One Million Candidates Nationwide

 

By Esther Namarome 

The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations officially began on Monday morning, with 996,078 candidates across the country sitting for their first papers. The national exams mark a defining moment for thousands of learners completing their secondary school education under the new academic calendar.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba presided over the official opening of examination materials at the Westlands Deputy County Commissioner’s office, assuring Kenyans that the government has implemented extensive measures to uphold the credibility and transparency of the national test.

“We have put in place robust mechanisms to ensure the integrity of this year’s KCSE. Security officers have been deployed to all exam storage and distribution centers to safeguard the process from any form of malpractice,” said CS Ogamba.

He added that close coordination between the Ministry of Education, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), and other relevant agencies has been enhanced to ensure the smooth administration of the exams.

According to Ogamba, marking will commence immediately after the written papers conclude, with results expected to be released in January 2026.

“We are committed to completing the marking process on time to allow universities and colleges to start their admission processes early,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary commended teachers, center managers, invigilators, and security officers for their dedication to ensuring a seamless examination process across all centers.

On his part, KNEC Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Njeng’ere urged candidates to remain calm and confident throughout the three-week examination period, assuring them that all marking and assessment will be conducted with fairness and professionalism.

This year’s KCSE marks the third cohort to sit for national exams under the revised academic calendar, which was adjusted in the aftermath of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The exams, which run for three weeks, will cover both practical and theory papers, signaling the final stretch of the 2025 academic year for secondary school candidates across the country.