Candidates in the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) have already sat oral and practical papers and move to the main examination period this week, with the Ministry of Education calendar setting 2 to 20 November as the KCSE window.
The Standard reported that the first KCSE oral and practical papers began on Monday, 19 October, including French and German orals, Kenyan Sign Language and Music practicals. A further round of practicals, in subjects such as Art and Design, Woodwork, Metalwork, Computer Studies and Home Science, was scheduled for 26 to 30 October.
Morning sessions begin at 8am and afternoon sessions at 2pm. Candidates in subjects with a project component, including Agriculture and Computer Studies, worked on projects between January and July, The Star reported.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) says about 3.6 million candidates registered across the 2026 national assessments, the largest candidature in its history. KNEC chief executive Dr David Njengere said the numbers required enhanced planning, coordination and security measures. The Star reported in June that KCSE candidature had crossed one million for the first time.
Reports differ on how to describe the dates: The Star's March timetable breakdown describes KCSE theory papers running from 19 October to 20 November, while the Ministry calendar, published in October 2025, gives KCSE as 2 to 20 November. Candidates and parents should confirm paper dates and times against the official KNEC timetable.
Sources: The Standard; Kenyans.co.ke; The Star