The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released the first-week timetable for the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, with oral and practical assessments kicking off on Monday, October 19.
In a message posted on X, the council wished candidates well as the national examination period commenced, urging them to follow the published schedule.
“The 2026 KCSE examination begins! Here are this week’s timetables. Best wishes to all the candidates,” KNEC said.
According to the timetable, French oral, German oral, Kenyan Sign Language practical signing skills and Music practical examinations will run from October 19 to October 23, 2026.
Candidates taking French, German and Kenyan Sign Language will each be allocated 15 minutes for their respective assessments.
Arabic oral examinations will also begin on October 19 but will run until October 26, with each candidate given 15 minutes.
Home Science Candidates to Sit Practical Planning Test
Candidates taking Home Science (Foods and Nutrition) will sit a practical planning session on Wednesday, October 21.
The session will last 30 minutes for candidates using standard and large-print examination papers, while those using Braille will be allocated one hour.
KNEC has urged candidates to consult the official timetable to confirm their examination dates, timings and specific requirements.
3.6 Million Candidates Registered for 2026 Exams
The examinations follow KNEC’s August announcement that approximately 3.6 million candidates had registered for the 2026 national assessments and examinations, marking the highest candidature in the council’s history.
The announcement came after a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa to review preparations for this year’s examinations.
KNEC Chief Executive Officer Dr David Njengere said the large number of candidates required enhanced planning, coordination and security arrangements to ensure the smooth administration of the examinations.
The council said education officials, school heads, parents and security agencies were involved in preparations aimed at safeguarding the credibility and orderly conduct of the national examinations.
Earlier, in June, KNEC announced the recruitment of qualified secondary school teachers and college tutors to assess the 2026 KCSE oral and practical papers.
Successful applicants were expected to undergo on-the-job training during the assessment process, while teachers and tutors already listed in the council’s assessors’ database were not required to apply again.
