Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC)
Written and practical examinations for Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Business and Technical programmes began on Monday after candidates completed nationwide rehearsals on Friday.
The main examination series will run until July 31.
A one-day practical session for selected disciplines, including laundry, housekeeping, food and beverage production management, accommodation operations and baking, was conducted on July 15 ahead of the written papers.
Day One technical examinations include Hydrogeology, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Art Studio Organisation and Management, ICT, Communication Skills and Entrepreneurship (e-paper), Entrepreneurship and Communication Technology, Power Production Systems and Advanced Fabrication Technology.
Papers scheduled for Tuesday include Mathematics, Engineering Mathematics, Applied Science, Environmental Chemistry, Applied Mathematics and Economics, Financial Accounting, Chemical Analytical Methods, and Entomology, Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Candidates pursuing Business Studies began project assessments on Wednesday alongside foreign language oral examinations.
Friday, July 17, marked the deadline for uploading projects and coursework assessment marks for BTEP Craft, Diploma and Higher Diploma, as well as TVET Craft and TVET Diploma programmes.
Business Studies candidates sitting written examinations on Monday are taking papers in Typewriting, Salesmanship, Storekeeping, Monetary and Financial Systems, Information Communication Technology (practical and oral), Principles and Practice of Management, Computer Applications, Aviation and Fundamentals of Tourism.
Tuesday's papers include Clerical Duties, Taxation, Business Kiswahili, Commercial Law, Legal Aspects of Business Management, Computerised Document Processing, Project and Contract Management, Introduction to Law and Financial Accounting.
KNEC has directed candidates to strictly observe examination regulations throughout the assessment period.
Candidates are required to present themselves for security screening outside the examination room at least 15 minutes before the start of each paper at 8am.
Those arriving late will be required to provide a satisfactory explanation to the supervisor.
"Except in exceptional circumstances, a paper will not be given to any candidate who is more than half an hour late. Absolute punctuality is essential for certain papers, e.g. Shorthand," KNEC said.
The council also said candidates will not be allowed to withdraw from the examinations at the last minute.
"Withdrawal from the examination should have been notified to the council before any papers of the examination are taken," it said.
KNEC said the provisions of the KNEC Act, 2012, including offences and penalties under Sections 27 to 40, will apply in cases of examination irregularities.
Candidates found guilty of examination malpractice will have results for the affected subject cancelled, while an entire examination centre's results may be nullified if widespread irregularities are established.
The council also warned that anyone found to have leaked examination papers risks imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to Sh2 million, or both.
"Candidates are therefore strongly advised not to engage in any examination malpractice that may lead to any of the above actions being taken against them," KNEC CEO David Njengere said.
"Heads of institutions are advised to ensure that their students are carefully drilled on how to carry out the instructions given below and are aware of the penalties for irregularities or misconduct."
