The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced nationwide official rehearsals for candidates sitting the July 2026 Business and Technical examinations, with the exercise scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2026.

In a notice shared on its official X account on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, KNEC urged candidates to attend the rehearsals, describing them as an important step in preparing for the upcoming examinations.

“This is a crucial step to ensure you are fully prepared for your upcoming exams. Make sure you know exactly what is expected of you,” KNEC said.

Candidates have been advised to confirm the dates and times of their examination papers, verify their examination centre details and index numbers, and check any specific instructions for practical and theory papers. KNEC also urged candidates to report any discrepancies to their centre managers before the examinations begin.

Preparing for the examinations

The rehearsals come as KNEC finalises preparations for the July 2026 Business and Technical examinations, which will begin with practical assessments before written papers commence later in the month.

According to the official examination timetable, planning for practical and project papers started on Wednesday, July 15. Official rehearsals will take place on Friday, July 17, before practical examinations begin on Monday, July 20, and continue until Friday, July 31, 2026.

The practical examinations will cover a wide range of technical courses, including Food and Beverage Production, Trade Practice, Motor Vehicle Technology, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Building Technology, Fashion Design, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Information and Communication Technology, Agribusiness, and other technical disciplines.

Written examinations will also begin on July 20 and continue into early August. Candidates will sit papers in Mathematics, Engineering Drawing, Applied Science, Industrial Organisation and Management, Entrepreneurship, Construction, Agriculture, Health Sciences, Counselling and other specialised subjects.

The July examination series follows the release of the March 2026 Business and Technical examination results. KNEC has directed heads of institutions to collect the results from New Mitihani House, South C Offices, on weekdays between 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. after clearing any outstanding examination fee balances.

Examination guidelines

KNEC has reminded candidates and examination officials to observe all examination regulations throughout the assessment period.

Candidates are expected to report to their examination centres early, with morning sessions scheduled to begin at 8.00 a.m. They are required to confirm that they have the correct personalised question papers, sign all answer scripts where required and answer only the prescribed number of questions.

The council has also reminded candidates that mobile phones and other unauthorised electronic devices are prohibited inside examination rooms.

Visually impaired candidates will be allowed an additional 30 minutes where applicable, while supervisors and invigilators have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with examination procedures.

KNEC further warned that any examination irregularities could lead to the cancellation of results for individual candidates or entire examination centres in accordance with the KNEC Act, 2012.

Supporting examination integrity

The council said the rehearsal exercise is intended to help candidates familiarise themselves with examination procedures before the assessments begin.

By confirming examination details in advance, candidates will have an opportunity to resolve any issues relating to examination centres, timetables or registration before the first papers are administered.

KNEC has encouraged candidates and institutions to continue following official communication channels for updates and any additional guidance relating to the July 2026 Business and Technical examinations.