History As Record 3.4 Million Candidates Are Set to Sit National Exams

Kenya is set to conduct its largest examination exercise in history, with a record 3.4 million candidates registered to sit three sets of national examinations starting October 17, 2025.

The unprecedented numbers will see the country’s education system and security apparatus tested to their limits as the Kenya National Examinations Council oversees the administration of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, and for the first time, the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment.

Dr David Njeng’ere, the CEO of the Kenya National Examinations Council, revealed that 996,078 candidates have been registered for KCSE, while 1,298,089 will sit KPSEA.

The historic figure is completed by 1,130,669 learners registered for the inaugural KJSEA, marking a milestone for the pioneer class of the competency-based education curriculum.

The massive logistical undertaking has necessitated the deployment of over 10,000 centre managers for KCSE alone, working alongside 12,126 supervisors, 54,782 invigilators, 22,247 security officers and 2,692 drivers.

Centres hosting both KJSEA and KPSEA will require even larger numbers, with 24,213 centre managers, 26,479 supervisors and 125,492 invigilators mobilised.

To combat examination malpractice, Knec will continue the personalisation of examination papers, a measure introduced in 2024. Each paper will bear the candidate’s name and index number, with learners required to append their signature on both the script and its counterfoil.

The council has also bolstered its infrastructure, installing an additional 25 containers in various sub-counties, bringing the total to 642.

In a technological leap, digital smart padlocks will be piloted in 250 containers this year to strengthen security of examination materials.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba struck a stern tone on examination integrity, warning that there would be no mercy for anyone found engaging in malpractice.

He emphasised that this year’s KJSEA will be used to place learners in senior school according to three pathways: STEM, social sciences, and arts and sports science.

The acting CEO of the Teachers Service Commission, Ms Evaleen Mitei, urged parents to create calm and encouraging environments for their children, cautioning against transferring exam-related anxiety onto learners.

Field officers on leave have been recalled to ensure effective examination management during this critical period.

With candidate registration having been undertaken between January 30 and March 30, 2025, and sample papers already shared with junior schools through the CBA portal, the stage is set for what promises to be a defining moment in Kenya’s education history.