Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba says the administration of national assessments involving more than 2.5 million learners has generally progressed successfully, as the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) enters its final day.
Ogamba, who spoke on Friday, October 30, after the opening of a Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examination container at the Sotik Deputy County Commissioner's Office in Bomet County, said the assessments had been conducted across the country despite isolated operational challenges.
The challenges included adverse weather conditions, administrative discrepancies and cases where learners required special arrangements, including medical attention.
The CS said reports received from KNEC indicated that all learners who presented themselves at their designated assessment centres had been given an opportunity to undertake their scheduled papers.
The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), which began on Monday, October 26, concluded on Wednesday, October 28, while the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) and Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA) ended on Thursday, October 29.
The KJSEA is scheduled to conclude on Friday, October 30.
Ogamba said the completion of KJSEA marks an important milestone for Grade 9 learners preparing to transition to Senior School in January 2027.
He noted that the assessment, together with school-based evaluations, would inform decisions on learners' placement into different senior school pathways.
The Ministry of Education has assured parents and learners that the placement process will be conducted transparently, taking into account learners' performance, interests, pathway choices and other established considerations.
Ogamba urged parents to remain patient as the Ministry prepares to communicate the placement timelines and procedures through official channels.
Attention now shifts to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, with 1,048,355 candidates registered to sit the national examinations.
The oral, practical and low-candidature examinations, which commenced on October 19, are scheduled to conclude on Friday, October 30, ahead of the main written examinations beginning on Monday, November 2.
The written examinations will run until Friday, November 20.
Ogamba said the Ministry had directed KNEC, County and Sub-County Directors of Education, as well as National Government Administration Officers, to ensure all preparations were completed before the commencement of the written papers.
He said particular attention would be given to the readiness of examination centres, deployment of personnel and secure transportation of examination materials.
The Ministry has also called for special consideration for candidates living with disabilities, those requiring medical attention and learners in areas affected by adverse weather conditions.
The CS warned examination officials against compromising established procedures, emphasising that professionalism, accountability and integrity were essential in safeguarding the credibility of the national examinations.
He also commended KNEC, the Teachers Service Commission, security agencies, education officers, teachers, examination centre managers, supervisors, invigilators, health workers and parents for supporting the administration of the assessments.
The Government says it remains committed to ensuring that the 2026 national examinations are conducted fairly and securely while protecting the welfare of all candidates.
