KNEC CEO David Njegere during the release of the 2024 KCSE exams at the new Mitihani House on January 9, 2025/ EZEKIEL AMING'A

Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) Chief Executive Officer David Njengere has warned candidates sitting this year's national examinations against cheating, saying those found engaging in examination malpractice risk having their results cancelled.

Njengere urged candidates to trust their preparation and resist anyone attempting to mislead, pressure or persuade them into cheating as they prepare to sit their assessments and examinations.

“There is absolutely no need to cheat, as this may lead to serious consequences, including cancellation of examination results,” he said.

He also cautioned candidates and examination officials against having mobile phones inside examination and assessment centres, directing that all devices be switched off and kept in lockable lockers outside examination rooms.

His warning comes as Kenya prepares to administer national assessments and examinations to 3,634,846 candidates this year, covering five categories: the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

The KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA and KPLEA assessments were scheduled to begin on Monday, October 26, according to Njengere's message to candidates.

He said assessments should not be viewed merely as a question of passing or failing but as a way of measuring learners' knowledge, skills and competencies while informing their educational pathways and future growth.

For KPSEA and KJSEA candidates, Njengere noted that results would combine scores from school-based assessments and the summative assessments.

He acknowledged the role of teachers and parents in preparing candidates and wished all learners success as they undertake the national assessments and examinations.

KCSE oral and practical examinations began on October 19, while written papers are scheduled to run from November 2 to November 20, 2026.

KNEC requires examination centre managers, supervisors and invigilators to ensure candidates sit the examinations and assessments in strict compliance with the prescribed rules and regulations.

During rehearsals held on October 16 for KCSE and October 23 for KPSEA and KJSEA, candidates were briefed on the instructions, guidelines and penalties for breaking the rules.

Some rules apply to both candidates and examination officials, while others are specifically for candidates.

Candidates must be seated in the examination room at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time, after undergoing security checks.

Any candidate who arrives more than 30 minutes late will only be allowed to sit the paper after providing a satisfactory explanation to the supervisor.

Every candidate must carry their official KNEC index or assessment card to the examination room.

KPSEA candidates are allowed to carry HB pencils for shading their answer sheets. Biro pens and fountain pens are prohibited.

KJSEA and KCSE candidates must carry blue or black ink ballpoint or fountain pens for writing their responses. Pencils are permitted only for drawing diagrams, graphs and specified mathematical work.