The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued a set of strict guidelines ahead of the commencement of the 2025 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) tomorrow.
This is even as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination enters its second week.
In a statement released on Sunday, KNEC reminded all field officers of key protocols governing the administration of the national examinations.
Among the directives, containers storing examination materials will be opened at 6:00 am for KPSEA and KJSEA, and at 7:00 am for KCSE.
Additionally, all mobile phones belonging to personnel within examination centres must be locked away, with the key kept securely by the supervisor.
KNEC also instructed that all centre managers must have an approved list of authorised personnel present at the centre, each of whom must carry a national identification card for verification.
Supervisors administering KPSEA and KJSEA were further cautioned to ensure that they open the correct examination packet for the appropriate session.
KNEC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. David Njengere, said that over 3.4 million candidates are expected to sit for the three national examinations this year.
He expressed confidence in the council’s preparedness, assuring that all logistical and security systems are in place for a smooth and credible exercise.
“As the administration of the Grade 6 KPSEA and Grade 9 KJSEA summative assessments begin tomorrow, I want to wish all the candidates well,” Dr. Njengere said.
“Your teachers have prepared you well for the summative assessment and you already have 40 per cent of the marks through formative assessments. So, there is no cause for alarm.”
He also cautioned candidates, teachers, and examination officials against engaging in any form of malpractice, emphasising that integrity remains the cornerstone of the national assessment system.
“Last year, KCSE examination results for 711 candidates were cancelled due to malpractice. It was a painful decision, but it had to be done in the interest of enforcing integrity in our examinations and assessments,” he said.
Njengere reiterated that according to KNEC’s rules and regulations, any candidate found engaging in examination malpractice will have their results cancelled. He specifically warned against the presence or use of mobile phones in examination and assessment centres.
“I want to particularly caution candidates and everyone involved in the administration process that no one should be found with a phone in an examination or assessment centre,” he stated.
His message was echoed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who also cautioned against cheating during a fundraiser at Nyagesenda SDA Church in Kisii County.
The CS urged all stakeholders—including parents, teachers, and invigilators—to uphold honesty and discipline throughout the examination period.
