The Kenyan Ministry of Education has officially announced the introduction of mid-year national exams for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), with the first series scheduled for July 2025. This new development, confirmed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, will be administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and is expected to bring greater flexibility to the exam process.
The mid-year KCSE series will primarily target students wishing to repeat their exams, as well as those who were unable to sit for the exams due to sickness or unforeseen hardships. In addition, adult candidates seeking to further their education or take the exam after missing previous sittings are encouraged to register. This move comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the national examination system, ensuring that all learners have an opportunity to complete their secondary education assessments.
A notable aspect of the announcement is the government’s clear timeline for the phased-out KCSE. According to KNEC CEO Dr. David Njengere, the current KCSE system will only run for the next three years, with 2027 being the final year for the traditional KCSE examinations. This transition marks a pivotal shift in the country’s educational assessment system, as Kenya moves toward a new structure that aims to address contemporary challenges in education and provide more relevant avenues for assessment.
Dr. Njengere’s statement highlights that students wishing to repeat their KCSE exams, either fully or partially, must take advantage of the remaining opportunities before 2027. The introduction of mid-year exams offers candidates a second chance to pursue their academic goals without waiting an entire year for the next sitting.
This announcement signals an important phase in Kenya’s educational journey, providing an inclusive approach to national examinations while preparing students for a new era of learning and assessment. As the country prepares to transition to the new system, the mid-year KCSE series is expected to bridge gaps, offering flexibility and improved access to education for all students.
