The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has outlined examination room instructions that candidates must follow during the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, including arrival times, answer booklet requirements, permitted writing materials and time management.
According to the released KNEC timetable, the 2026 KCSE examinations are scheduled to run from October 19 to November 20, with oral and practical papers preceding the main written examinations, which begin on October 28.
“Teachers are advised to ensure that the candidates read these instructions and guidelines carefully and adhere to them,” the council instructions read.
Candidates Required to Arrive Early and Check Examination Papers
According to KNEC’s examination instructions, candidates must be searched outside the examination room and seated at their desks or tables 15 minutes before each paper is scheduled the start.
The guidelines specify that the first examination session begins at 8 am and the second at 2 pm, as indicated on the examination timetable.
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KNEC states that late arrivals must provide a satisfactory explanation to the supervisor. Under exceptional circumstances, a paper may be issued to a candidate arriving more than 30 minutes late.
“Only in exceptional circumstances will a paper be given to any candidate who is more than half an hour late. Absolute punctuality is essential for all papers.”
The council requires candidates to confirm that they have received the correct question paper for the subject they registered for before beginning the examination.
Candidates must immediately notify the supervisor if a map or other material required by a question has not been provided. They must also follow the general instructions printed on the first page of each question paper, including directions on the number of questions to answer.
KNEC Rules on Answer Booklets and Writing Answers
KNEC’s guidelines require candidates to check that every page of their question papers is properly printed and ensure their names and index numbers are correctly written on the question paper and answer script.
Candidates must sign and write the examination date on their answer booklets. The instructions permit writing on both sides of the paper but prohibit using the margins.
The council directs candidates to write each question number clearly in the left-hand margin at the beginning of the answer, follow the numbering system used in the question paper, avoid copying questions and leave a blank line after each answer.
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According to KNEC, candidates must use black or blue ink; fountain and ballpoint pens are permitted. Erasable pens are prohibited, and pencils should be used only for diagrams.
“Write your responses in black or blue ink. You may use a fountain pen or ballpoint pen but not erasable pens. Pencils should only be used for diagrams”
Candidates must also bring a mathematical and a fountain pen or ballpoint pen, as needed.
KNEC Warns Candidates Against Poor Time Management
KNEC instructs candidates to read questions carefully and provide only the information requested, noting that marks will not be awarded for information that does not answer the question.
The guidelines also advise candidates not to spend too much time on one or two questions, urging them to allocate enough time to attempt the remaining questions.
According to the instructions, candidates must stop writing immediately when the supervisor or invigilator announces the end of the examination.
Before handing in their answer booklets, candidates must ensure they record their names, index numbers, signatures, and the examination date. They must then submit their booklets to the supervisor or invigilator as directed.
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