The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is a state corporation established under the Kenya National Examinations Council Act No. 29 of 2012. KNEC conducts and awards certificates for national examinations, including the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and syllabuses approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
This guide summarizes the revised KCSE regulations, which govern eligibility, entry, conduct, grading, certification, misconduct, and paper formats for the KCSE examination. These rules apply to all candidates sitting the KCSE in 2026 and beyond.
Official Source: Download the full booklet from www.knec.ac.ke (under Downloads > Regulations & Syllabuses) or obtain from KNEC offices/Huduma Centres.
Contact KNEC:
- Tel: (+254-20) 3341042/71/98, 3317412/13/27
- Email: td@knec.ac.ke
- Website: www.knec.ac.ke
1.0 Introduction & Mandate of KNEC
KNEC sets and maintains examination standards, conducts national examinations, awards certificates, confirms authenticity, undertakes research on assessment, and advises on policy.
Vision: Transforming lives through quality assessment and credible certification.
Mission: Assess learner abilities and certify achievements in conformity with global standards.
2.0 Conditions for Eligibility
- Open to bonafide Kenyan residents meeting entry requirements.
- Administered in approved secondary schools in Kenya.
- Kenyan citizens abroad may sit in their country if:
- Kenya Mission applies 6 months in advance and handles logistics.
- Candidate covers freight, correspondence, and local admin costs.
- KNEC may reject ineligible applications.
3.0 Minimum Entry Requirements
School Candidates
- Holders of KCPE certificate or equivalent.
- Foreign certificates must be equated by KNEC.
- Must register for at least 7 subjects (max 9).
- Must have studied continuously in a registered secondary school for 3 years.
- Pay fees on time.
Private Candidates
- Registered through Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs) or agents.
- Must produce KCPE or equivalent.
- Foreign certificates equated + KCSE Qualifying Test (if required).
- Proof of 3 years post-KCPE study.
- School-leaving certificate from last school.
- Letter from a secondary school confirming practical/project arrangements (for Group 4 subjects).
- Pay fees on time.
Repeaters
- Full Repeat: Minimum 7, maximum 9 subjects (regular index numbers 001–499). Mean grade recomputed.
- Partial Repeat: Less than 7 subjects (once only; index ending 501+). Supplementary certificate issued; no mean grade recomputation.
- Candidates with cancelled results must repeat at least 7 subjects.
4.0 Conditions for Award of KCSE Certificate
Candidates must sit at least 7 subjects from Groups 1–5.
Subject Groups & Compulsory Rules
- Group 1 (Compulsory): English (101), Kiswahili (102), Mathematics Alt. A (121) or Alt. B (122).
- Group 2: Biology (231), Physics (232), Chemistry (233), General Science (237), Biology for the Blind (236).
- Group 3: History & Government (311), Geography (312), CRE (313), IRE (314), HRE (315).
- Group 4: Home Science (441), Art & Design (442), Agriculture (443), Woodwork (444), Metalwork (445), Building Construction (446), Power Mechanics (447), Electricity (448), Drawing & Design (449), Aviation Technology (450), Computer Studies (451).
- Group 5: French (501), German (502), Arabic (503), Kenyan Sign Language (504), Music (511), Business Studies (565).
Grading Combination (Regular Candidates):
- Mathematics
- Best language (English or Kiswahili)
- Best 5 other subjects
Hearing-Impaired/Deaf Candidates: Best language among English/KSL; same logic applies.
Overall Grade Scale (12-point):
- A (12) >79% | A- (11) 75–79% | B+ (10) 70–74% | B (9) 65–69% | B- (8) 60–64% | C+ (7) 55–59% | C (6) 45–54% | C- (5) 40–44% | D+ (4) 35–39% | D (3) 30–34% | D- (2) 25–29% | E (1) <25%
5.0–10.0 Key Operational Rules
- Examination Centres: Registered secondary schools only (minimum 15 candidates).
- Registration: Online via schools (school candidates) or SCDEs (private). Hard copies submitted to SCDEs.
- Fees: Determined by KNEC and communicated annually (non-refundable).
- Transfers: Not allowed after registration except exceptional cases (fee applies; apply 60 days post-registration closure).
- Withdrawal: No refund.
- Timetable: Issued by KNEC annually; no alterations without Council approval.
11.0 Special Needs & Disabilities
- Modified papers for visually/hearing-impaired candidates.
- Extended time or special arrangements (supported by medical/NCPWD evidence).
- KSL papers for hearing-impaired candidates.
12.0–16.0 Conduct & Materials
- Language: English (except Kiswahili, foreign languages).
- Under Protest Entries: Allowed for apparent errors (fee applies; no guarantee of acceptance).
- Infectious Diseases: Quarantined candidates sit at facility (advance notice required).
- Materials: Schools provide equipment; calculators allowed in specified subjects (non-programmable only).
- Practical/Project Assessment: Administered within KNEC timelines (Agriculture, Home Science, Computer Studies, etc.).
17.0–20.0 Certification & Results
- Certificates show name, index number, school, subjects, and grades.
- Results notified via Ministry of Education; slips issued to candidates.
- Certificates issued to school heads/private candidates via County Directors.
- Certifying statements issued on request (fee applies).
21.0 Examinations Misconduct & Penalties
- Irregularities lead to whole-subject or whole-centre cancellation.
- Offences (impersonation, leakage, damage, forgery) attract fines up to KSh 5 million or imprisonment up to 10 years.
- Results withheld pending investigation.
22.0–24.0 Amendments & Paper Formats
- Regulations published 1 year in advance.
- Amendments only by KNEC in writing.
- Detailed formats provided for each subject (e.g., English: Paper 1 functional skills, Paper 2 comprehension/grammar, Paper 3 composition; Biology: theory + practical; etc.).
This KCSE 2024 Revised Regulations guide is essential for all candidates, schools, and parents preparing for the 2026 KCSE. Always refer to the official KNEC booklet and website for the latest updates, syllabuses, and timetables.
For full document, registration, fees, or special needs arrangements, visit www.knec.ac.ke or contact KNEC directly. Success in KCSE opens doors to higher education and careers—prepare diligently!
