The 2025 KCSE examinations that started on Monday marked a major milestone for close to one million candidates at different centres across the country.
The national exercise was flagged off by the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba in Matuga Constituency, Kwale County, where he presided over the opening of the first examination container.
A total of 996,078 students are sitting the KCSE this year, which is the final test in Kenya’s secondary school journey.
At the launch, CS Ogamba assured parents, teachers, and students that the Ministry of Education had put in place tight measures to ensure smooth and secure administration of the exams.
“We have strengthened security and ensured that examination materials are efficiently distributed to all centres nationwide,” he said.
In Nairobi, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok led the start of the exams at the Westlands Deputy County Commissioner’s office and assured that they would observe integrity and transparency.
“We are doing everything possible to deliver a credible exam,” said Bitok. “Every aspect-from invigilation to adjudication-has been designed to protect the integrity of the examination.”
The PS further affirmed that the government has adequately provided teachers and supervisors to ensure that fairness and order are observed during the testing period.
Meanwhile, Bitok said marking of the KJSEA would start immediately and with the electronic systems to be used, the process was likely to take about 40 days, enough time to have the students prepared for transition to senior school.
On the issue of school fees, Bitok assured parents that there will not be major changes once students join senior schools under the new education structure.
“We are not expecting significant differences in the fees,” he said. “There might be slight variations depending on the three pathways STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports but overall, the changes will be minimal.”
The PS also spoke to concerns over the sustained heavy rains and flooding in several parts of the country. He said special arrangements had been made to ensure that all candidates sit for their papers without interruption, with arrangements including airlifting exam materials by helicopter.
He condoled the families of 14 students who lost their lives due to a mudslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County, adding that he would personally visit the area to oversee the continuity of the exams.
The results for KPSEA and KJSEA are expected in December 2025, while those of KCSE will be released in January 2026. The KJSEA exams end today, while those for KCSE will go on until November 21.
