Over 2.5 million learners complete national assessments as KCSE written exams begin Monday
The Mt Kenya Times 
CS Education Julius Ogamba Migos at Sotik Comprehensive School monitoring the administration of the assessments
By Elizabeth Angira
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has announced the successful administration of this week’s national assessments, with more than 2.5 million learners taking part across the country.
Ogamba said the assessments had generally proceeded smoothly despite isolated operational challenges, including adverse weather conditions, administrative discrepancies and cases involving learners who required special arrangements and medical attention.
Speaking on Friday, after overseeing the opening of a Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examination container at the Sotik Deputy County Commissioner’s Office in Bomet County, the CS said all learners who reported to their designated assessment centres had been given an opportunity to sit their scheduled papers.
He attributed the successful administration of the assessments to coordinated efforts by the Ministry of Education, KNEC, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, security agencies and other stakeholders.
The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), which began on Monday, October 26, concluded on Wednesday, October 28, while the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) and Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA) ended on Thursday, October 29.
The Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) is scheduled to conclude on Friday, October 30.
Ogamba commended education officials, security agencies and other personnel involved in the exercise, urging them to maintain professionalism and uphold examination integrity as the country prepares for the main Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) written examinations.
The main KCSE written examinations, involving 1,048,355 registered candidates, will begin on Monday, November 2, and run until Friday, November 20, 2026.
The oral, practical and low-candidature examinations, which started on October 19, are also scheduled to conclude on Friday.
The CS called on KNEC, County and Sub-County Directors of Education, as well as National Government Administration Officers, to ensure all examination centres are ready before Monday.
He said particular attention should be given to the deployment of examination personnel, security and transportation of examination materials, as well as addressing any outstanding logistical challenges.
Ogamba further urged relevant agencies to prioritise the welfare of candidates, especially learners with disabilities, those requiring medical attention and candidates in areas affected by adverse weather conditions.
He emphasised that every candidate must be given a fair opportunity to sit the examinations under appropriate conditions.
Meanwhile, the conclusion of KJSEA marks an important milestone for Grade 9 learners preparing to transition to Senior School in January 2027 under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
Ogamba said the assessment, together with school-based assessments, would help determine learners’ competencies and inform their transition to the next stage of education.
He assured parents and learners that the Ministry would conduct the Senior School placement process transparently and fairly, taking into account learners’ performance, interests, pathway choices and other established criteria.
The CS urged parents to remain patient as the Ministry prepares to communicate the placement timelines and procedures through official channels.
He also thanked KNEC, the Teachers Service Commission, security agencies, education officers, examination centre managers, supervisors, invigilators, teachers, health workers and parents for their contribution to the national assessments.
Ogamba congratulated learners who had completed their assessments and wished those sitting their final papers success, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring credible, secure and fair national examinations.
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