KNEC to introduce mid-year KCSE exams for absentees, repeaters

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba when releasing the KCSE 2024 results at Mtihani House Nairobi on January 9, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito Standard]

The Ministry of Education has announced plans to introduce mid-year Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams for candidates who missed the national test or wish to retake it.

Speaking during the release of the 2024 KCSE results at Mitihani House in Nairobi, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the new exams will be administered every July, starting this year, to eliminate the need for candidates to wait until the end of the year for a re-sit.

“Following extensive stakeholder consultations, I am pleased to announce that KNEC will introduce a mid-year series of the KCSE examination, starting this July and continuing annually,” said Ogamba. 

“This examination will target candidates who wish to retake the KCSE, those unable to sit for the exam due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances, and adult candidates who may wish to register for the July KCSE series,” he added.

KNEC CEO David Njeng’ere echoed the announcement, urging candidates interested in retaking the exams, either partially or fully, to take advantage of the opportunity before the system transitions in 2027.