The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations officially commenced on Monday, marking a key milestone for 996,078 candidates across the country.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba led the national launch of the exams in Matuga Constituency, Kwale County, where he supervised the opening of the first KCSE examination container.
CS Ogamba assured that the Ministry of Education has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure a smooth and credible examination process. He noted that security had been enhanced and the distribution of examination materials had been efficiently coordinated across all centres nationwide.
Meanwhile, Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Bitok oversaw the start of the exams at the Westlands Deputy County Commissioner’s (DCC) office in Nairobi. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to delivering a credible, transparent, and seamless examination process across the country.
We are doing everything possible to ensure that we deliver a credible exam. We are pulling every resource to ensure that invigilation, adjudication, credibility, and the integrity of the examination process are protected
Ps BitokThe PS highlighted that the government has deployed sufficient teachers and examination personnel to guarantee fairness and integrity during the entire KCSE period.
Bitok further revealed that the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) will be marked electronically, with the process expected to take approximately 40 days to allow adequate time for transition planning to senior school.
On school fees, PS Bitok assured parents that there will be no significant increase in costs for senior schools under the new academic system.
We are not expecting any significant difference in fees. There could be marginal differences depending on the three pathways — STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports — but overall, the difference will be minimal
Ps BitokAddressing the challenges caused by ongoing heavy rains and flooding in some parts of the country, the PS confirmed that special arrangements had been made to ensure all candidates sit for their exams without disruption.
Bitok also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of 14 students in a mudslide tragedy in Elgeyo Marakwet County, pledging to personally visit the area to oversee the delivery of examinations.
The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and KJSEA results are expected to be released in December 2025, while the KCSE results will be released in January 2026.
The KJSEA concludes today, while the KCSE will officially end on November 21, 2025.
