In what marks the largest national examination undertaking in Kenya’s history, more than 965,000 candidates are poised to begin their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations tomorrow across 10,755 centres nationwide.
The examinations, scheduled to commence on Monday, 4th November 2024, will begin with English Functional Skills in the morning session, followed by Chemistry Paper 1 in the afternoon.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has deployed a multi-agency team comprising education officials and security personnel to oversee the distribution and administration of examination materials.
“Our distribution networks have been fortified, and examination centres will receive papers under tight security protocols,” KNEC Chief Executive Officer Dr David Njeng’ere confirmed.
This year’s candidate numbers represent a 5.2 per cent increase from last year’s 917,457 candidates, underscoring the country’s growing access to secondary education.
Dr Njeng’ere emphasised that special arrangements have been made for candidates in regions experiencing adverse weather conditions. “We have contingency measures in place to ensure that every registered candidate gets the opportunity to sit for their examinations, regardless of their geographical location,” he added.
The examinations will run for three weeks, and strict adherence to the ministry’s guidelines on examination administration will be observed. Multi-agency teams will be stationed at examination centres to prevent malpractice and ensure credible results.
Teachers’ unions have expressed satisfaction with the preparations. Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary-General Akelo Misori stated, “We are confident in the measures put in place and expect smooth administration of the examinations.”
For the first time, the council has integrated digital monitoring systems at selected examination centres, marking a significant step towards modernising the examination process.
The ministry has also confirmed that the examination schedule will proceed as planned, unaffected by any public holidays falling within the examination period.
Parents and candidates have been advised to adhere to the examination timetable and ensure punctual arrival at examination centres.
