More than 3.6 million learners have started the 2026 Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), with the government assuring candidates of a fair and secure examination process.
A total of 3,634,846 learners have registered for this year’s national assessments, which are being administered at examination centres across the country under the supervision of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and other officials.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba witnessed the opening of a container holding examination papers at the Makindu Deputy County Commissioner’s Office as the distribution of assessment materials got underway.
Ogamba said the government had put measures in place to ensure the exercise runs smoothly, allowing every learner to demonstrate their knowledge without unnecessary disruptions. He urged candidates to remain confident, disciplined and focused throughout the assessments. He also called on parents and guardians to support learners emotionally and encourage them to do their best.
“Parents and guardians also have an important responsibility to provide encouragement and emotional support during this period,” Ogamba said.
The Education Ministry has also prepared to deal with challenges that could affect the exercise, particularly during the rainy season. These include heavy rainfall, flooding, insecurity and difficult terrain that could make it harder to transport examination materials or reach some centres.
Ogamba said the government was working with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, KNEC and other relevant agencies to address emerging problems and prevent disruptions to the assessments.
The CS warned that authorities would take a firm stand against examination malpractice, insisting that no form of cheating would be tolerated.
He reiterate that the government will not tolerate any examination malpractice in any form or manner. He also cautioned parents, candidates and members of the public against fraudsters claiming to possess examination papers and demanding money in exchange for early access to them.
Ogamba described such offers as fraudulent and urged anyone with information about the schemes to report the matter to the relevant authorities.
He recognised the efforts of KNEC, the Teachers Service Commission, the National Police Service, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, teachers and other stakeholders involved in preparing for the national exercise.
The CS also wished success to candidates sitting the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, which are already underway ahead of the main written papers scheduled for next week.
He said the government remained committed to providing a credible, secure and conducive examination environment, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.