KNEC Offers Second Chance to Students with Cancelled 2024 KCSE Results

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has decided to provide an opportunity for over 840 students, whose 2024 KCSE results were voided due to exam malpractice, to retake their examinations in July 2025. This move marks a significant shift in policy, previously enforcing a strict two-year ban on students caught cheating.

KNEC has concluded its investigations into 2,829 other students suspected of irregularities, allowing some schools to have their withheld results released. However, this process might lead to further result cancellations, affecting more candidates.

This new policy reflects a reconsideration of the stringent measures put in place by former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha in 2019, which mandated a two-year exclusion from national exams for those involved in malpractice. KNEC CEO David Njengere explained that the easing of these rules acknowledges the urgency with only a few years left before the KCSE is phased out in 2027 for a Competency-Based Curriculum.

Njengere emphasized the opportunity for students, stating, “I wish to remind the public that the last KCSE examination will be administered in 2027. Any person wishing to repeat, fully or partially, should take advantage of the remaining chances to do so.”

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba further detailed the introduction of a mid-year exam series starting in July 2025, aimed at not only those needing to resit but also students who missed exams due to sickness or other unforeseen issues, and adult learners seeking certification. “Starting this year, following extensive consultations, Knec will introduce a mid-year series of the KCSE examination every July,” Ogamba announced.

The decision to implement these changes comes after years of criticism regarding the inflexibility of national examinations. The introduction of serialized exam papers this year is part of broader reforms to pinpoint and address malpractice more effectively.

Historically, KNEC has not shied away from severe actions; in 2023, results for over 4,000 students were withheld, and four candidates’ results were cancelled due to impersonation. It was revealed by then CS Ezekiel Machogu that around 120 professionals involved in exam irregularities would face repercussions. However, results for students from schools like Cardinal Otunga Boys and Nyakongo Secondary were eventually released after further investigation.