Crucial Dates and Full Timetable of KJSEA 2026; What Parents Should Know

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released crucial dates and the full timetable for the 2026 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).

The examination will be taken by the second cohort of Grade 9 learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) as they prepare to transition to senior school.

According to KNEC, all morning session papers will start at 8:30 a.m. The time allowed for each paper will be indicated on the question paper, and no extra time will be granted.

Reading time is included in the total duration unless stated otherwise.

Crucial Dates and Full Timetable of KJSEA 2026

According to the timetable, the creative arts and sports project will run for three months from May to July.

Pre-Technical Studies and Agriculture projects will run throughout July.

Candidates are expected to report to the examination room 15 minutes before the scheduled start of each paper and take their seats promptly. Morning sessions start at 8:30 a.m., followed by the second session as indicated on the timetable.

Punctuality is mandatory. According to KNEC, any candidate arriving late must provide a satisfactory reason to the Supervisor. Only in exceptional circumstances will a paper be given to candidates more than half an hour late.

Before beginning the examination, candidates must check that all pages of the question paper are printed correctly.

They must ensure their name, assessment number, and date of the assessment are clearly written on the question paper and answer booklet. If any required materials, such as maps, are missing, candidates should immediately inform the Supervisor.

KNEC instructed candidates to carefully read the general instructions on the first page of each paper, including limits on the number of questions to be answered.

Answers should be written on both sides of the paper without using margins, and each part of a question must start on a fresh line. The question number should be clearly indicated in the left-hand margin, but the question itself should not be copied. A blank line should separate each answer.

All responses must be written in black or blue ink, using a fountain or ballpoint pen. Erasable pens are not allowed.

Pencils should only be used for diagrams or shading multiple-choice answer sheets. Candidates should bring all mathematical and drawing instruments needed for specific subjects.

Candidates are cautioned to read each question carefully to avoid writing irrelevant information, which will not earn marks. They are also advised not to spend too much time on a few questions, leaving adequate time to complete the rest.

Once notice to stop is given, candidates must ensure their name, assessment number, signature, and date are written on the answer booklet before submitting it to the Supervisor or invigilator.

Also Read: CS Ogamba Orders Schools to Register KCSE Candidates Without Fees

Instructions to KJSEA Candidates During Exams

Candidates are not allowed to leave the assessment room before the allocated time unless given special permission by the Supervisor, and no question papers or answer sheets may be removed.

They must also protect their work from being seen by others and must not give or receive unfair assistance in any form.

No communication with other candidates or outsiders is allowed during the exam. Additionally, candidates are prohibited from possessing any books, notes, papers, or materials other than the authorized question paper and materials expressly permitted by KNEC.

Only KNEC-printed mathematical tables may be used, and permitted calculators must be non-programmable. Any uncertainties should be clarified with the Supervisor.

Any defective question paper must be returned immediately to the Supervisor. Rough work must be completed on the official answer booklet and left on the desk for collection and destruction by the Supervisor.

Misconduct or disturbances in or near the assessment room will be treated as assessment irregularities.

KNEC also emphasized that electronic devices, including cell phones, are strictly banned in examination centres. Possession of any such device will result in the cancellation of results.

Candidates who suspect assessment malpractice are encouraged to report it to KNEC through their Headteacher or teachers.

Also Read: KNEC Releases Timetable for KJSEA Qualifying Tests Scheduled for March

Penalty Assessment for Irregularities

The KNEC Act No. 29 of 2012, Offences and Penalties, as stated in Sections 27 to 40, will apply to cases of examination irregularities. 

A candidate who commits an examination irregularity in any paper will have the results for the subject cancelled. Such a candidate will not be entitled to a result for the subject.

If there is evidence of widespread irregularities in any examination centre, the assessment results for the whole centre will be cancelled.