President William Ruto has encouraged Grade 6 and Grade 9 learners sitting their national assessments, urging them to remain calm and trust their preparation as the examinations begin across the country.
In a message shared on X on Monday, October 26, the President also encouraged candidates sitting the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, saying their hard work should give them confidence as they face the tests.
“To our Grade 6 and Grade 9 learners starting your national assessments today, and to our KCSE candidates in the final stretch: This is your moment,” Ruto said.
“You have prepared, you have worked hard, and you are ready. Go in calm, trust your preparation and give your best.”
The message comes as more than 2.4 million learners begin the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), 1,298,089 Grade 6 learners are registered for KPSEA, while 1,130,669 Grade 9 learners will sit KJSEA. The assessments began on Monday, October 26, with KPSEA scheduled to run until October 28 and KJSEA until October 30.
Ruto also recognised the role played by teachers, parents and guardians in preparing learners for the assessments, thanking them for supporting the candidates throughout their studies.
“To our teachers, parents and guardians: Thank you for bringing them this far,” he said.
The President urged candidates to approach the assessments with confidence, adding that the country was proud of them and looking forward to what they would achieve in the future.
“To every candidate: Kenya believes in you, Kenya is proud of you, and Kenya cannot wait to see what you will build,” he added.
He concluded his message with a blessing for the candidates and the country.
Meanwhile, KCSE examinations are already underway, with oral, practical and other selected papers having started on October 19. The main written papers are scheduled to begin on November 2 and run until November 20.
The start of the national assessments marks a significant period for learners, parents and schools as candidates complete another stage of their education under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum and the existing secondary school examination system.