The Kenya National Examination Council has announced the timetable for the 2026 national examinations and assessments, setting clear dates for candidates in primary and secondary schools across the country.
The council confirmed that the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination will run from October 19 to November 20, while other assessments under the competency-based curriculum will also take place within specific periods during the year.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, March 4, the exam body outlined the schedule for the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, giving schools and learners guidance on preparation timelines.
According to the council, the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment will be conducted over several months between May and October 2026. The schedule includes projects, rehearsals, and the final written examinations.
For primary school learners, the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment will be administered between October 26 and October 28. During the assessment period, candidates will be tested in several learning areas, including Mathematics, English, Integrated Science, Kiswahili, and Creative Arts and Social Studies.
The council also indicated that Grade 4 and Grade 5 pupils who are required to undertake subjects with project and practical components had their assessment date set for March 2.
As part of the preparation for the 2026 examinations, the council issued guidelines for schools on the submission of marks for subjects that include project work. Schools have been directed to upload the required marks within specific deadlines.
"Schools should upload marks for subjects with a project component by March 31 for Milestone 1 and July 31 for Milestone 2, where applicable," the guidelines read in part.
For candidates preparing for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination, the first tests will begin with oral and practical papers. These assessments will be conducted between October 19 and October 30 before the written examinations begin.
Written papers will start on November 2, with candidates sitting English Paper 1 as the opening subject of the written exams.
The council also provided clear instructions on the daily examination schedule. According to the guidelines, morning examination sessions will start at 8 a.m., while the afternoon papers will begin at 2 p.m.
Candidates have been cautioned about lateness and reminded that extra time will not be granted unless it is already stated on the examination paper.
"A candidate who arrives late will be required to give a satisfactory reason to the supervisor. Only in exceptional circumstances will a paper be given to a candidate who is more than half an hour late," the guidelines indicated.
For the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment, project work will form part of the evaluation. The Creative Arts and Sports project will take place between May and July 2026.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Pre technical studies project will be carried out throughout the month of July.
The council further announced that rehearsals for the main examination will be conducted on October 23, ahead of the start of the final assessment.
The main KJSEA examination will begin on Monday, October 26. During the assessment period, first session papers will start at 8.30 a.m., and candidates will not be allowed additional time beyond what is indicated in the exam instructions.
The release of the 2026 timetable gives schools, teachers, and learners a clear roadmap for preparation as the country continues to implement national assessments under the competency based education system.
