The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has outlined examination instructions for candidates sitting the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
KNCE further issues guidance on examination materials and procedures that apply to all candidates during the examination period.
Candidates must follow the instructions for their respective assessments, with stationery and other permitted materials depending on the requirements of individual papers.
The examination timetables and instructions published by KNEC for the three assessments contain the guidelines.
KCSE candidates Requirements
KCSE candidates should prepare the writing materials and subject-specific instruments required for their scheduled papers.
Among the writing materials, KNEC advises candidates to have reliable blue or black ink pens for written answers in the examination booklets.
Additionally, KNEC permits fountain pens and ballpoint pens but prohibits erasable pens.
According to the council, pencils are allowed for tasks requiring pencil work, erasers, and, where applicable, mathematical or drawing instruments.
“In all the papers, write your responses in black or blue ink. You may use a fountain pen or ballpoint pen but not erasable pens. Pencil should only be used for diagrams and shading of answer sheet for multiple choice questions,” KNEC directs.
Candidates sitting subjects in which calculators and drawing instruments are permitted are subject to KNEC conditions governing their use, including not having any written materials or symbols.
Before sitting the KCSE examinations, all candidates undergo security checks outside the examination room and are expected to be seated at least 15 minutes before the scheduled examination time.
KCSE examinations will run from October 19 to November 20, 2026, with oral and practical examinations taking place first, followed by the main written papers from October 28 to November 20.
KCSE candidates’ rehearsals are scheduled for October 16, 2026.
Also Read: KPSEA 2026 Timetable: Key Dates Parents and Candidates Need to Know
KNEC Approved Materials for KJSEA Candidates
Grade 9 learners sitting the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment should confirm the stationery required for their papers before reporting to their examination centers.
Preparation may include two black or blue writing pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, and erasers.
Depending on the paper, mathematical or drawing instruments, including rulers, set squares, protractors, and compasses, are allowed.
If permitted, KNEC emphasizes that candidates using a calculator must use the specified non-programmable type.
Where mathematical tables are required, candidates are only allowed to use tables printed by KNEC, and they must not contain additional handwritten notes.
Candidates will sit for the exams from October 26 to Friday, October 30, 2026, after rehearsals on October 23.
Also Read: KCSE 2026 Timetable: Date and Time Each Paper Will Be Examined
KPSEA candidates Requirements
The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) for Grade 6 learners is scheduled to run from Monday, October 26, to Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Candidates are expected to attend rehearsal on Friday, October 23.
For KPSEA 2026, Grade 6 candidates must carry a pencil to complete and shade their personalized answer sheets.
In addition, candidates may carry an extra pencil, a pencil eraser, and an eraser, subject to the examination center’s instructions.
According to the examination council, KPSEA candidates may not use a fountain pen or biro pen during the examinations.
The council prohibits books, notes, papers, mobile phones, electronic communication devices, and other materials not expressly authorized.
“You are not allowed to have in your possession or in your proximity while in the assessment room, any books, notes, papers or any other materials whatsoever except the correct question papers and any materials expressly authorized by the Kenya National Examinations Council,” the council instructs.
Possession of prohibited devices and items may lead to the cancellation of results, according to KNEC.
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