The 2026 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) have officially commenced across the country, with a combined total of 3,634,846 learners registered for this year’s national assessments and examinations. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba witnessed the opening of a container carrying examination materials at the Makindu Deputy County Commissioner’s Office, marking a key step in the distribution of papers ahead of the nationwide exercise. The assessments are being conducted under the supervision of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), alongside education officials and other relevant government agencies.
Government Assures Learners of Smooth Assessments
Ogamba said the government had put measures in place to ensure the assessments run smoothly, securely and fairly, allowing every learner an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities. The Education CS encouraged candidates to remain confident, disciplined and focused throughout the examination period. He also urged parents and guardians to support learners by providing encouragement and emotional reassurance. He noted that parental support was particularly important in helping candidates approach the assessments with confidence.
Measures Put in Place to Address Weather Challenges
The Ministry of Education has also developed contingency measures to address possible disruptions caused by the ongoing rainy season. According to Ogamba, the government is prepared to respond to challenges such as heavy rainfall, flooding, insecurity and difficult terrain that could affect the delivery of examination materials or access to assessment centres.
The ministry is working alongside the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, KNEC and other relevant agencies to ensure that any emerging challenges are addressed promptly. These coordinated efforts are intended to minimise disruptions and ensure that learners across the country can undertake their assessments under suitable conditions.
Ogamba Issues Warning Against Examination Malpractice
The Cabinet Secretary issued a stern warning against examination malpractice, maintaining that the government would not tolerate any attempts to compromise the integrity of the national assessments. He also cautioned parents, candidates and members of the public against fraudsters claiming to possess examination papers in advance and demanding money from unsuspecting individuals. Ogamba described such offers as fraudulent and urged anyone with information about the schemes to report the matter to the relevant authorities. The warning comes as education officials seek to protect the credibility of the national assessment process and prevent candidates from falling victim to examination-related scams.
CS Commends Stakeholders Ahead of National Examinations
Ogamba praised KNEC, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the National Police Service, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, teachers and other stakeholders for their role in preparing for the assessments. He wished all KPSEA and KJSEA candidates success, urging them to remain calm and use the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
The CS also extended his best wishes to candidates sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, which are already underway, as they prepare for the main written papers scheduled for the following week. Ogamba assured Kenyans that the government remains committed to administering the 2026 national assessments and examinations in a secure, credible and fair environment. He reiterated that every candidate should have an equal opportunity to complete the examinations without intimidation, disruption or unfair practices.
