Over 2.5mn learners take national assessments as KJSEA concludes

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 30 — More than 2.5 million learners participated in this week’s national assessments administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has said, as the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) concludes Friday.

Ogamba said the assessments had generally progressed successfully across the country, despite isolated operational challenges involving adverse weather, administrative discrepancies and learners requiring special arrangements, including medical attention.

He said KNEC accorded all learners who presented themselves at their designated assessment centres the opportunity to sit their scheduled papers.

The CS commended education officials, security agencies and other stakeholders for their coordination in addressing the challenges, saying their efforts helped ensure that no learner was unnecessarily disadvantaged.

The conclusion of KJSEA marks a significant milestone for Grade 9 learners preparing to transition to Senior School in January 2027.

Ogamba said the assessment, alongside school-based assessments, would help determine learners’ next educational steps.

He assured parents and learners that the placement process would be orderly, transparent and equitable, taking into account performance, interests, pathway choices and other applicable considerations.

The Ministry of Education will communicate the relevant timelines and procedures through official channels, he said.

Attention now shifts to the main written Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, which begin on Monday, November 2, and run until November 20.

A total of 1,048,355 candidates have registered for the KCSE examinations, according to Ogamba, who urged education officials and security agencies to ensure examination centres are ready, personnel deployed and examination materials transported securely.

He also called for special attention to candidates with disabilities, those requiring medical attention and learners in areas affected by adverse weather or other challenging circumstances.

The CS said the government remained committed to ensuring that national assessments and examinations are conducted fairly, securely and with integrity while safeguarding the welfare of all learners.