KCSE 2025 Begins as Education Ministry Assures Fairness, Security and Smooth Conduct Nationwide

The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams began on Monday. Nearly one million candidates across the country sat for the first papers. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba launched the exercise in Matuga, Kwale County, where he opened the first exam container.

Ogamba assured Kenyans that the government is fully prepared. He said the Ministry of Education has tightened security and improved logistics to ensure smooth distribution of exam materials. “We have put every system in place to guarantee fairness and transparency,” he said. He urged candidates to stay calm and focused.

The CS praised teachers, invigilators, and police officers for their dedication. He said teamwork between education officials and security agencies will ensure the exams run without interruption.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok also oversaw the start of exams in Westlands, Nairobi. He promised that the ministry will maintain credibility and order throughout the exercise. “We are doing everything possible to deliver a credible examination,” said Bitok. “Integrity and fairness remain our top priorities.”

Bitok said the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) will be marked electronically. He noted that marking will take about 40 days, giving enough time for the transition to senior school. He also assured parents that school fees will remain stable. Any fee adjustments, he explained, will depend on the learning pathways – STEM, Social Sciences or Arts and Sports but will be minimal.

The PS addressed challenges caused by floods and heavy rains in some regions. He said the ministry has made special arrangements to deliver exams to all centres, including airlifting papers to flooded areas. He expressed sorrow over the loss of 14 students in a mudslide in Elgeyo Marakwet. He said he would personally visit the affected schools to ensure exams continue.

The KCSE exams will end on November 21. Results are expected in January 2026, while the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and KJSEA results will be released in December 2025.