The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued four directives to guide the administration of this year’s Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), which begin on Monday across the country.
In a statement released on October 26, KNEC outlined strict measures to safeguard the integrity of the examinations as the 2025 national assessment season gets underway.
The guidelines direct that containers holding examination papers be opened at 6 a.m. for KPSEA and KJSEA and 7 a.m. for KCSE, which enters its second week this week.
KNEC further ordered that all mobile phones belonging to examination personnel be locked up, with the key kept by the centre supervisor.
Centre managers are required to have an approved list of personnel, all carrying national identification for verification.
Supervisors must also ensure they open the correct examination packets for each session.
“These measures are part of KNEC’s continued effort to maintain transparency and fairness in all national assessments,” the statement read.
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KNEC CEO Sends Encouraging Message to Candidates
KNEC Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Njengere extended best wishes to all 3.4 million candidates sitting for KPSEA, KJSEA, and KCSE this year, assuring them that the council is fully prepared to ensure a smooth and successful examination period.
“This year we are administering KPSEA, KJSEA, and KCSE to over 3.4 million candidates,” Njengere said in a message shared on October 26.
“Your teachers have prepared you well for the summative assessment, and you already have 40 per cent of the marks through formative assessments. So, there is no cause for alarm.”
Dr. Njengere cautioned all candidates and officials against engaging in examination malpractice, citing last year’s cancellation of results for 711 KCSE candidates.
“It was a painful decision, but it had to be done in the interest of enforcing integrity in our examinations and assessments,” he said. “No one should be found with a phone in an examination or assessment centre.”
Interior Ministry Warns of Tough Penalties
On its part, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration issued a warning to candidates and examination officials, showing the legal consequences of any breach of conduct at examination centres.
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According to the ministry, revealing assessment materials to unauthorized persons attracts a 10-year jail term or a fine of up to Ksh2 million.
Impersonating a candidate could result in a term of up to 2 years in prison or a fine, and malicious damage to examination materials carries penalties of up to 5 years in prison or a fine not exceeding Ksh5 million.
“The security of our examination centres is guaranteed, as well as the safety of all participants,” the ministry said. “All are advised to stay out of trouble and avoid having exams cancelled or schools disqualified.”
The ministry urged citizens to report suspicious activities using the hotline 0800 721 410
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