KCSE Enters Third Week as Government Steps Up Efforts to Ensure Smooth Exams Amid Floods

The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination has entered its third week, marking the start of written papers for large-candidature subjects, as the government intensifies efforts to ensure a smooth and credible process despite widespread flooding in parts of the country.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba assured the nation that all necessary measures had been taken to guarantee the integrity and timely delivery of exams in all regions affected by the ongoing short rains.

“It is true that we have challenges of floods in some parts of the country where we are administering exams. We have put measures in place to mitigate disruptions. The National Police Service, county commissioners, and regional education officers are working together to ensure exams reach all centres safely and on time,” said Ogamba.

Candidates began the week with English Paper 1 (Functional Skills) in the morning and Chemistry Paper 1 in the afternoon, separated by a four-hour break. More than 900,000 students across the country are sitting the national test, which will conclude on November 21 with the Physics Paper 3 practical.

Flood response and logistics

To ensure exam materials reach all centres without delay, the Ministry of Education has deployed helicopters and four-wheel-drive vehicles to flood-prone areas, while disaster response teams remain on standby for emergencies.

“The integrity of our exams remains non-negotiable. We are using a multi-agency approach involving the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Interior, the Teachers Service Commission, and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to safeguard every stage of the examination process,” Ogamba emphasized.

KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere reaffirmed the council’s readiness, noting that logistics and security systems had been well-coordinated.

“The administration of the Grade 6 and Grade 9 assessments has gone well, and we expect KCSE to follow suit. Teachers have prepared candidates, so there is no cause for alarm,” Njengere said.

Strict supervision to curb exam malpractice

KNEC has issued strict guidelines to ensure the credibility of the exams. All examination containers must be opened at exactly 7:00 a.m., and mobile phones belonging to officials within centres must be locked up, with the keys held by the supervisor.

Centre managers are also required to carry an approved list of authorised personnel, each identified by their national ID card. Additionally, supervisors and invigilators are not allowed to serve in the same institution for more than three consecutive years to minimise familiarity and reduce the risk of malpractice.

“Supervisors must verify that candidates have signed their answer scripts and that the number of submitted papers matches the number of present candidates,” the KNEC directive states.

Upcoming exam schedule

According to the KNEC timetable, candidates will sit for Mathematics Paper 1 on November 4, followed by English Literature in the afternoon. On November 5, they will tackle Chemistry Paper 2 and English Composition, with Kiswahili Lugha and Kiswahili Fasihi scheduled for November 6.

The second week will feature Christian Religious Education, Biology Papers 1 and 2, and History and Government on November 13, while Biology practicals will follow shortly after. The final week will conclude with Geography, Physics, Business Studies, and Agriculture.

Despite logistical challenges posed by floods, the Education Ministry maintains that the national exams are on track, supported by 24-hour monitoring and coordination between national and county education offices.

As candidates progress into the final stretch of the KCSE, the government continues to assure parents, teachers, and students that no learner will be left behind due to adverse weather or transport difficulties.

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KCSE Enters Third Week as Government Steps Up Efforts to Ensure Smooth Exams Amid Floods