The national examinations commenced yesterday for over 3.4 million students from both public and private institutions across the nation, signifying an important event in Kenya’s educational timeline.
The assessments encompass Grade Six (KPSEA), Grade Nine (KJSEA), along with KILEA and KPLEA for students following the competency-based curriculum.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who managed the distribution of examination materials in Bureti Sub-County, Kericho County, reassured the public that stringent measures had been implemented to uphold the integrity of the examinations.
This year, a total of 3,428,729 candidates are participating in the assessments across 68,546 examination centers. This includes 1,298,089 candidates for KPSEA, 1,130,669 for KJSEA, 2,414 for KILEA, and 1,479 for KPLEA.
KPSEA is composed entirely of multiple-choice questions, whereas KJSEA features both multiple-choice and structured written questions. In contrast to the KCSE, which is secured by police presence, the KPSEA and other lower-level evaluations are overseen by teachers and education officials.
In Trans Nzoia County, several schools — such as Matisi Friends, Central Primary, St. John’s Education Centre, Linta Academy, and Royal Victor — faced confusion regarding the delivery of examination papers. County Director of Education Pamela Akello acknowledged the mix-up but stated that it was promptly addressed without compromising the integrity of the process. She mentioned that the delays primarily affected students who had missed the preparatory assessments.
Trans Nzoia has 24,312 KJSEA and 26,961 KPSEA candidates in public schools, alongside 23,097 KJSEA and 5,174 KPSEA in private institutions. Schools like Kitale School and Mary Immaculate Primary reported a smooth examination process.
In Uasin Gishu and Baringo Counties, the examinations commenced under strict security measures. In Uasin Gishu, County Director of Education David Koech reported that ten candidates were taking their exams from hospitals in Eldoret, including a young mother and others from adjacent counties.
County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi cautioned against examination malpractice and reminded officers to refrain from carrying mobile phones while on duty.
In Baringo County, examinations commenced smoothly across 756 centers, with materials distributed from 19 containers. County Director of Education Dr. Kipruto Kosgei reported that there were 15,672 KPSEA and 15,411 KJSEA candidates participating in the tests. Notably, schools previously affected by floods, such as Noosukro and Loruk Primary, were able to take part. Security measures were enhanced at all centers to ensure order and transparency.
In Kisumu Central, the exam container was opened at 6:00 a.m. by Deputy County Commissioner Langat Bosek. KNEC Chairperson Prof. Julius Nyabundi reiterated the transition from the term “examination” to “assessment,” stating that this change aims to foster a culture of trust and diminish the significant police presence that has historically accompanied national exams.
In Kisii County, the process also proceeded smoothly in all centers. Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Mwangi, who oversees Kisii Central and Nyaribari Chache, supervised the distribution of examination papers to 78 public and 14 private schools.
In Homa Bay County, Prof. Charles Ong’ondo, Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), announced that results would be released prior to Christmas. He clarified that the competency-based assessments are part of Kenya’s transition from the previous 8-4-4 system and urged parents and teachers to remain composed throughout the process.
He stressed that only the KCSE exam will be directly overseen by police officers. County Commissioner Ronald Muiwawi acknowledged that previous cheating incidents had tarnished the reputation of national exams, while County Director of Education Eunice Khaemba disclosed that Homa Bay has 39,436 KPSEA and 36,496 KJSEA candidates.
In Siaya County, the exam container was opened promptly at 6:00 a.m., and school heads collected the papers without any delays.
Deputy County Commissioner Robert Ngetich called upon all supervisors and candidates to uphold honesty, particularly as this marks the inaugural KJSEA examination under the new system.
Throughout the counties of Kericho, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Kisumu, Kisii, Homa Bay, and Siaya, the government has stressed the importance of integrity, legality, and safety to guarantee that this year’s national examinations are carried out in a fair and transparent manner.
