KCSE week 1 timetable: KNEC reveals starting programme as students begin national exams
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released the first-week timetable for the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, with oral and practical assessments scheduled from Monday, October 19, 2026. In a statement shared on X, KNEC wished candidates well as the national examination period began. “The 2026 KCSE examination begins! Here are […]
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has unveiled the first-week schedule for the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, with oral and practical assessments commencing on Monday, October 19, 2026. In a statement on X, KNEC extended best wishes to the candidates as the national examination period began.
The 2026 KCSE examinations are set to commence, featuring French oral, German oral, Kenyan Sign Language practical signing skills, and music practical examinations from October 19 to October 23, 2026. Each candidate is allotted 15 minutes for French, German, and Kenyan Sign Language assessments. Arabic oral exams are scheduled from October 19 to October 26, 2026, with a 15-minute time limit for each candidate.
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, students taking Home Science (Foods and Nutrition) will participate in a practical planning session, lasting 30 minutes for those using standard and large-print papers, while Braille candidates will have an hour. KNEC advises candidates to consult the published timetable for their specific examination dates and requirements.
The commencement of the KCSE examinations follows KNEC's announcement in August that a record-breaking 3.6 million candidates had registered for the 2026 national assessments and examinations, surpassing the council's previous highest candidature. This announcement was made after a stakeholders' meeting chaired by Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa to ensure readiness for this year's examinations.
Dr. David Njengere, KNEC's Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the necessity of enhanced planning, coordination, and security measures due to the significant number of candidates. KNEC also announced in June that it would recruit qualified secondary school teachers and college tutors to evaluate the 2026 KCSE oral and practical papers.
The council stated that the successful applicants would undergo on-the-job training during the assessment process, while existing assessors did not need to apply.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
