The 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations are set to begin on Monday, October 19, with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) releasing the official timetable outlining the examination dates, sessions and guidelines for candidates.
According to the timetable, candidates undertaking oral examinations in French, German, Arabic and Kenyan Sign Language, alongside Music practical examinations, will begin their papers during the week of October 19 to October 23.
The examinations will then proceed with various practical and written papers, with the first major written papers scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, when candidates will sit French, German, Arabic, Kenyan Sign Language and Music examinations.
The timetable indicates that the first examination session will begin at 8:00 a.m., while the second session will start at 2:00 p.m.
English examinations will begin on Monday, November 2, with Mathematics scheduled for Tuesday, November 3. Candidates will sit Chemistry and General Science papers on Wednesday, November 4, followed by Kiswahili examinations on Thursday, November 5.
Biology, Religious Education, History and Government, Geography, Physics, Business Studies and Agriculture are among the other subjects scheduled throughout November.
KNEC Issues Strict Examination Guidelines
KNEC has directed candidates to be seated at their desks at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of each examination and warned that late arrivals must provide satisfactory explanations to the examination supervisor.
The council has also instructed candidates to verify their question papers, ensure their names and index numbers are correctly indicated, and follow all instructions provided on the examination papers.
Candidates are required to write their answers using blue or black ink, with pencils reserved for diagrams. They have also been cautioned against carrying unauthorised materials into examination rooms.
The use of mobile phones and other electronic communication devices is strictly prohibited in examination centres. According to the guidelines, any candidate found in possession of such a device will have their results cancelled.
Warning Over Examination Malpractice
The examinations council has further warned candidates against cheating, communicating with outsiders during examinations or engaging in any form of examination irregularity.
Under the guidelines, a candidate found guilty of an irregularity in any paper risks having the results for the entire subject cancelled and receiving an overall result of “Y”.
KNEC has also warned that examination results for an entire centre may be cancelled if widespread irregularities are established.
The council has urged teachers to familiarise candidates with the examination rules and the penalties for misconduct as the national examinations get underway.
The 2026 KCSE timetable also provides for candidates with special examination needs, including those using large-print papers and Braille.
Candidates and school administrators have been advised to follow the official timetable and adhere to all examination instructions to ensure the smooth administration of the national examinations.
