Kenya’s 2026 national assessments have begun, with more than 3.6 million learners registered to sit the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba witnessed the opening of an examination container at the Makindu Deputy County Commissioner’s Office on Monday, October 26, as officials prepared for the nationwide exercise.

A total of 3,634,846 learners are registered for this year’s assessments, marking a significant undertaking for schools, teachers and examination officials across the country.

The assessments are being administered under the supervision of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), with government agencies working together to ensure the process runs smoothly.

Ogamba said the government had put measures in place to protect the integrity of the assessments and give every candidate a fair opportunity to demonstrate their learning.

He urged learners to remain confident and disciplined throughout the exercise, while encouraging parents and guardians to offer reassurance and emotional support.

“Parents and guardians also have an important responsibility to provide encouragement and emotional support during this period,” Ogamba said.

Government prepares for heavy rains and other disruptions

This year’s assessments come as the country prepares for challenges associated with the rainy season, including flooding, insecurity and difficult terrain in some areas.

Ogamba said the government had made arrangements to address disruptions that could affect the delivery of examination materials or the administration of the assessments.

“Arrangements have been made to respond to emerging challenges arising from heavy rainfall, flooding, insecurity and difficult terrain,” he said.

The Ministry of Education is working with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, KNEC and other agencies to manage potential challenges and ensure candidates can sit their assessments under suitable conditions.

Warning against examination fraud

The Education CS also issued a stern warning against examination malpractice, saying the government would take action against attempts to compromise the process.

“Let me reiterate that the government will not tolerate any examination malpractice in any form or manner,” he said.

He cautioned parents, learners and members of the public against fraudsters who claim to have access to examination papers before they are administered and demand payment for them.

Ogamba described such offers as fraudulent and urged anyone with information about the schemes to report them to the relevant authorities.

He also recognised the work of KNEC, the Teachers Service Commission, security agencies, teachers and other stakeholders involved in preparing for the assessments.

KCSE examinations also underway

Meanwhile, candidates sitting the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations are continuing with their national examination period, with the main written papers scheduled to begin next week, according to the CS.

The government says it remains committed to ensuring that the 2026 national assessments and examinations are conducted securely and fairly, with all candidates given an equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

For the millions of learners beginning their assessments, the coming days will be an important test of the knowledge and skills they have developed in school.