KNEC releases timetable for this week's exams

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has published the official schedule for the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, ahead of the beginning of the oral and practical assessments for candidates across the country.

 In a statement released on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the council confirmed that the oral and practical phases of the KCSE will run from October 21 to October 27, 2025, starting with language and performance‑based subjects. 

This initial phase is particularly aimed at candidates sitting language‑based and performance‑oriented subjects.

KNEC emphasised that examination centres must ensure full preparedness in logistics and supervision so that the assessments proceed without incident. 

Here is the timetable:

In 2025, KNEC expects 996,078 KCSE candidates, while 1,298,089 will sit for KPSEA and 1,130,669 for the newly introduced KJSEA.

Ogamba previously announced strict measures to curb cheating, including the personalisation of exam papers and a ban on phones at exam centres.

This marks a crucial period for thousands of candidates preparing to complete their secondary school journey.

“The KCSE 2025 oral and practical examinations will be conducted from Tuesday, 21st October 2025 to Monday, 27th October 2025. Candidates and examination officials are required to strictly follow the scheduled dates,” the council stated.

This phase will cover subjects that require hands-on assessment, such as languages and the arts. KNEC emphasized that all examination centres must be adequately prepared to ensure the process is well-coordinated and secure.

Subjects lined up for assessment during this period include French, German, Kenyan Sign Language (practical), Music (Practical), and Arabic (oral).

Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) CEO David Njengere has announced that 996,078 candidates are set to sit the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.

To manage the KCSE process, KNEC said it will deploy 10,765 centre managers, 12,126 supervisors, 54,782 invigilators and 22,247 security officers.

Additionally, 2,692 drivers will assist in logistics, particularly in regions affected by poor roads and rains.

KNEC Chairman Prof Julius Nyabudi assured the country that all preparations were complete, noting that fairness and transparency will guide the entire process.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba issued a stern warning against any form of malpractice during the national exams saying no one will be spared.

“We will have no mercy on anyone who will be found engaging in any form of malpractice. All candidates, centre managers, supervisors and invigilators must comply with examination regulations, failing which they will face the full force of the law,” Ogamba warned.

KNEC extended its best wishes to all candidates and urged them to uphold integrity and discipline throughout the examination process.