The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has unveiled plans to offer an additional examination opportunity in July 2025 for students whose 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results were canceled. This decision comes as a relief to over 840 candidates whose results were nullified after investigations confirmed their involvement in exam malpractices during the 2024 KCSE exams.
KNEC made the announcement following the completion of investigations into the results of 2,829 candidates suspected of engaging in irregularities. The council has since released the results of several schools whose outcomes had been withheld pending the investigation.
In a departure from previous policies, KNEC also indicated that it would not enforce the two-year ban that was introduced in 2019 by former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha. Under this rule, candidates found guilty of malpractice were banned from sitting for the national exams for two consecutive years. However, KNEC’s Chief Executive, David Njengere, explained that the decision to relax these stringent rules was made in light of the limited time left before the final KCSE exams in 2027.
“We understand the challenges students may face due to the canceled results, and we want to provide them with an opportunity to retake the exams,” Njengere said. “With only a few years left before the final KCSE exams in 2027, we encourage those affected to seize this chance to complete their education.”
Additionally, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the introduction of a mid-year KCSE exam series, set to begin in July 2025. The new initiative is designed to help students who miss exams or wish to retake them due to various circumstances.
“Following extensive consultations with stakeholders, we are excited to introduce this mid-year series of KCSE exams, which will take place every July,” Ogamba said. “This will provide greater flexibility for students as they continue with their educational journey.”
Looking ahead, KNEC and the Ministry of Education have emphasized that the 2027 KCSE exams will be the final series under the current system. Starting in 2028, the exams will be replaced by assessments aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), marking a significant shift in the country’s education landscape.
With these new developments, students who need to retake their KCSE exams now have more options to complete their qualifications and move forward with their academic and career goals.