KCSE 2025 kicks off nationwide amid tight security
The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations officially began on Tuesday across the country, marking a critical academic milestone for thousands of secondary school candidates.
Education officials have confirmed that all systems are in place to ensure a smooth, secure, and transparent examination process.
According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the exams commenced with oral and practical assessments, which will run until October 27.
These include language-based subjects such as French, German, Arabic, and Kenyan Sign Language, as well as performance and practical papers in subjects like Music and Home Science. The written examinations are scheduled to begin in early November.
This year, a total of 996,078 candidates have been registered to sit for the KCSE examinations in over 10,000 centres nationwide. The council noted that preparations for this year’s examination cycle were completed ahead of schedule, with enhanced logistical arrangements aimed at improving efficiency and security.
Notably, the number of storage containers for exam papers has increased from 617 last year to 642, ensuring closer proximity to exam centres and reducing risks associated with transportation and handling.
KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njeng’ere assured the public that the council has implemented all necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of the examinations.
Thousands of centre managers, supervisors, invigilators, and security officers have already been deployed nationwide to oversee the process. In his address, Njeng’ere emphasized the council’s zero-tolerance policy on cheating and examination irregularities.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba also reiterated the government’s commitment to a credible and fair examination process. He warned that anyone found engaging in malpractice—including leaking exam materials or unfairly aiding candidates—would face severe legal consequences.
“The government is fully prepared to ensure that every candidate sits their examination in a secure and conducive environment,” he said, adding that coordination between KNEC, the Ministry of Education, and security agencies would be maintained throughout the examination period.
The KCSE examinations mark the culmination of a four-year secondary school journey and play a critical role in determining students’ placement into universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher learning.
For most candidates, the exams represent both an academic test and a key transition to the next phase of life. Teachers and parents have expressed optimism that the Class of 2025 is well-prepared to perform strongly despite the challenges that have characterized the academic year.
As the examination season unfolds, government agencies and education officials will continue monitoring all centres to ensure strict compliance with regulations and to prevent any disruptions. The start of the KCSE also sets the tone for the broader national assessment period, which includes the upcoming Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Grade 9 evaluations in the coming weeks.
