Education officials cite readiness as first Grade 9 cohort prepares for KJSEA
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 21, 2025Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba says the government is fully prepared for this year’s national examinations, including the first-ever Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) for Grade 9 learners.
Speaking after briefing President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, Mr Ogamba said all logistical and administrative plans have been finalised ahead of the national exams.
“Today, I briefed His Excellency President Dr William Samoei Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on the country’s readiness for this year’s national examinations,” he said.
“I confirmed that all arrangements for the 2025 assessments are complete and expressed confidence that all stakeholders – candidates, teachers, parents, invigilators, and supervisors – will work together to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.”
This year marks a key milestone under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with Grade 9 learners sitting the KJSEA for the first time. The assessment will run alongside the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) for Grade 6, the Kenya Integrated Learners Education Assessment (KILEA), the Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment, and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) for Form 4 candidates.
Also present during the State House briefing was Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Basic Education.
KNEC releases KCSE timetable
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released the official timetable for the 2025 KCSE oral and practical examinations, which began on Tuesday, October 21, and will continue until October 27.
In a statement, KNEC said:
“The KCSE 2025 oral and practical examinations are scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 21st October 2025 to Monday, 27th October 2025. All affected candidates and exam administrators are advised to strictly adhere to the provided timetable.”
The initial phase of the KCSE targets candidates taking language-based and performance-oriented subjects, including French, German, Arabic, Music, and Kenyan Sign Language.
KNEC urged schools and centres to ensure full compliance with examination rules and smooth coordination throughout the period.
“We wish all candidates success in their examinations. Let them uphold integrity and discipline throughout the exam period,” the statement added.
Ogamba reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to credible assessments.
“As always, we look forward to your support in delivering a seamless and credible examination and assessment process. Let us work together to ensure that the outcome reflects the honest work of our students.”
According to KNEC, 1,298,089 learners will sit for KPSEA, 1,130,669 for KJSEA, and 996,078 for KCSE.