KPSEA, KJSEA Exams Begin
The 2026 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) have kicked off across the country, with 3,634,846 learners registered to undertake this year's national assessments and examinations.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has witnessed the opening of a container holding examination papers for the two assessments at the Makindu Deputy County Commissioner’s Office, as preparations for the nationwide exercise enter the final stage.
The opening and distribution of examination materials mark the start of the assessments, which will be administered in examination centres across the country under the supervision of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and other officials.
Ogamba said the government has put measures in place to ensure the assessments are conducted smoothly and that all candidates get a fair opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
The CS urged learners undertaking KPSEA and KJSEA to approach the assessments with confidence and discipline, while calling on parents and guardians to provide them with the necessary encouragement and emotional support.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) Chief Executive Officer David Njeng’ere has cautioned candidates sitting the 2026 national examinations and assessments against engaging in cheating or any form of examination malpractice.
The KNEC CEO also cautioned candidates and all officials involved in the administration of the examinations against carrying mobile phones into examination or assessment centres.
“I want to particularly caution candidates and everyone involved in the administration process that no one should be found with a phone in an examination or assessment centre,” he said.
He directed that all phones must be switched off and kept in a lockable locker outside the examination or assessment room.
This year, KNEC is administering KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA, KPLEA and KCSE examinations and assessments to 3,634,846 candidates.
For KPSEA and KJSEA candidates, he noted that their results will combine scores from school-based assessments and the summative assessments they are set to undertake.
He further highlighted the significance of the 2026 KCSE examination, describing it as the second-last examination to be administered under the 8-4-4 education system as Kenya continues its transition to the new system.
The KNEC CEO wished all candidates success, urging them to trust their preparation and avoid allowing anyone to mislead, pressure or persuade them into cheating.