More than 3.6 million learners are taking part in Kenya’s 2026 national examinations and assessments, with Grade 6 and Grade 9 candidates beginning their KPSEA and KJSEA assessments on Monday, October 26. President William Ruto has encouraged learners to trust their preparation and remain confident, while Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has assured Kenyans that measures are in place to safeguard the exercise against disruptions, insecurity and examination malpractice.
Highlights
- A total of 3,634,846 candidates are registered for Kenya’s 2026 national examinations and assessments.
- President William Ruto has encouraged Grade 6 and Grade 9 learners to remain calm and give their best.
- Education CS Julius Ogamba witnessed the opening of an examination container in Makindu, Makueni County.
- KPSEA is scheduled to run until October 28, while KJSEA will continue until October 30.
- The government has warned against examination cheating and fraudsters selling fake examination papers.
Main Story
2026 National Assessments Begin Across Kenya
Learners across the country have begun the 2026 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), marking another important stage in the country’s competency-based education system.
According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), 3,634,846 candidates have registered for this year’s national examinations and assessments across five categories: KPSEA, KJSEA, the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA), the Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
Of those registered, 1,380,463 candidates are expected to sit KPSEA, while 1,206,028 are registered for KJSEA.
KPSEA is undertaken by Grade 6 learners completing primary school, while KJSEA assesses Grade 9 learners as they complete junior school.
The two assessments are part of the competency-based curriculum, which focuses on learners’ abilities to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
KPSEA is scheduled to run until October 28, while KJSEA will conclude on October 30. Assessments for learners following the intermediate and pre-vocational pathways are also scheduled to begin on October 26.
Ruto Sends Encouraging Message to Candidates
President William Ruto has wished learners success as they begin their assessments, urging them to remain composed and rely on the preparation they have undertaken.
In a message shared on Monday, October 26, the President encouraged Grade 6 and Grade 9 candidates, alongside those sitting the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), to approach their examinations with confidence.
He also recognised the contribution of teachers, parents and guardians, thanking them for supporting learners throughout their preparation.
Ruto expressed confidence in the candidates and encouraged them to view their education as an opportunity to shape their future and contribute to the country.
His message comes as thousands of families, schools and teachers focus on supporting learners through this year’s examination period.
Ogamba Oversees Examination Preparations in Makindu
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba witnessed the opening of a container carrying examination materials at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Makindu, Makueni County.
The exercise marked part of the nationwide distribution and administration of assessment materials under the supervision of KNEC and other government officials.
Ogamba said the government had put arrangements in place to ensure the assessments proceed smoothly, with every candidate receiving a fair opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
He urged learners to remain disciplined and confident throughout the assessment period while encouraging parents and guardians to provide emotional support rather than subjecting children to unnecessary pressure.
Government Prepares for Weather and Security Challenges
With the assessments taking place during the rainy season, the Ministry of Education has made contingency plans to address possible challenges, including flooding, heavy rainfall, insecurity and difficulties accessing examination centres in areas with challenging terrain.
Ogamba said the government was coordinating with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, KNEC and other relevant agencies to respond to incidents that could interfere with the exercise.
The collaboration is intended to protect examination materials, support examination officials and ensure candidates can access their assessment centres safely.
The Education CS also acknowledged the contribution of teachers, the Teachers Service Commission, the National Police Service and other stakeholders involved in preparing for the national examinations.
Stern Warning Against Examination Cheating
The government has reiterated its position against examination malpractice, warning that anyone involved in cheating will face the consequences.
Ogamba also cautioned candidates, parents and members of the public against individuals claiming to possess examination papers before they are officially administered.
Such individuals may demand money in exchange for purported advance access to examination materials, but the CS warned that these offers are fraudulent.
He urged anyone with information about such schemes to report it to the relevant authorities.
KNEC has separately reminded candidates to follow examination regulations, warning that malpractice could result in the cancellation of examination results.
The warning comes as education officials seek to maintain the credibility, security and fairness of the national assessment process.
KCSE Candidates Prepare for Written Papers
Meanwhile, KCSE candidates have already begun their oral and practical examinations, which started on October 19.
The written examination papers are scheduled to run from November 2 to November 20.
As the examination period progresses, the government says it remains committed to providing a secure and conducive environment for candidates across the country.
For Grade 6 and Grade 9 learners, the focus is now on completing their assessments, while secondary school candidates prepare for the next phase of their examinations.
With millions of learners participating in the national exercise, education officials continue to call for cooperation among schools, parents, candidates and examination administrators.
As millions of Kenyan learners take another step in their education journey, success will depend not only on preparation but also on fairness, discipline and the support they receive. For every candidate sitting an assessment this year, the message remains simple: stay focused, do your best and believe in your abilities.
