President William Ruto/ FILE

President William Ruto has wished Grade 6 and Grade 9 learners success as they begin their national assessments, while urging KCSE candidates to remain calm and trust their preparation as they approach their written examinations.

In a message shared on Monday, October 26, Ruto said the learners had worked hard to prepare for the assessments and examinations and urged them to give their best.

“To our Grade 6 and Grade 9 learners starting your national assessments today, and to our KCSE candidates in the final stretch: This is your moment. You have prepared, you have worked hard, and you are ready. Go in calm, trust your preparation and give your best,” Ruto said.

The President also thanked teachers, parents and guardians for supporting the candidates throughout their preparation.

“To our teachers, parents and guardians: Thank you for bringing them this far,” he said.

He added that the country was proud of the candidates and looked forward to what they would achieve.

“To every candidate: Kenya believes in you, Kenya is proud of you, and Kenya cannot wait to see what you will build. God bless you. God bless Kenya,” he said.

The message was accompanied by a graphic bearing the words “Kila la heri”, the message and the names of Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto, dated October 26, 2026.

The President’s message comes as learners across the country begin another phase of Kenya’s 2026 national examinations and assessments.

According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), 3,634,846 candidates are registered for this year’s national examinations and assessments across 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 and KJSEA assessments began today and are scheduled to run until October 28 and October 30, respectively.

KNEC figures show that 1,380,463 candidates are registered for KPSEA, while 1,206,028 are registered for KJSEA.

KPSEA is taken by Grade 6 learners completing primary school, while KJSEA is administered to Grade 9 learners completing junior school. The assessments form part of the competency-based education system.

The KILEA and KPLEA assessments for learners following intermediate and pre-vocational pathways are also scheduled to begin on October 26.

Meanwhile, KCSE candidates began their oral and practical examinations on October 19, with the written papers scheduled to run from November 2 to November 20.

KNEC has also warned candidates against examination malpractice, cautioning that cheating could lead to cancellation of results. Candidates are expected to follow examination instructions and observe the rules governing their assessment centres.