The Ministry of Education has officially released the registration timelines for the 2026 national assessment and examinations.
The exercise will cover the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), all administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
Speaking in Nairobi during the launch of the 2026 candidates’ registration season, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba acknowledged President William Ruto’s support for the education sector, highlighting reforms aimed at improving the examination and assessment system.
Official Registration Dates
CS Ogamba announced the following registration periods:
- KPSEA: 16th February to 16th March 2026
- KJSEA: 2nd March to 31st March 2026
- KCSE: 16th February to 31st March 2026
School Heads Warned Over Registration Errors
Ogamba expressed concern over recurring mistakes by some school heads during past registration cycles. These errors included incorrect personal details, such as gender mismatches, and the failure to register eligible candidates.
“In the past, including the just concluded cycle, there have been cases of learners who suffered because their Heads of Institution uploaded erroneous data, for example indicating the wrong gender. In some cases, some learners were not registered at all,” Ogamba stated.
He warned that such mistakes unfairly disadvantage learners and expose the government to legal risks. “These errors unduly and unfairly disenfranchise learners and also expose the Government to serious legal risks. We have to avert them at all costs,” he added.
The CS emphasized that tougher measures will follow to ensure compliance. School heads who make repeated mistakes will face disciplinary action by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Transition Reforms Under Competency-Based Education
Ogamba also highlighted progress in transitioning learners to Senior School under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. He noted that nearly all eligible learners have moved to Grade 10.
“Following strategic measures by the Government, including the directive by President Ruto that no learner shall be denied admission due to uniform or school fees, our transition to Grade 10 is nearing 99%,” Ogamba said.
Once the 2026 registration exercise concludes, KNEC will open a portal for registering Grade 10 learners for School-Based Assessments, which will contribute to their final Senior School grades.
To strengthen readiness, the Ministry has set up 235 Senior School hubs across all 47 counties. Additionally, an online training portal for teachers has been launched to enhance competency-based assessment skills.
KNEC to Launch Online Certificate Verification System
CS Ogamba also announced the rollout of an electronic certificate system by KNEC to improve security and accessibility. The system will apply to certificates issued from 2023 onwards.
“As part of enhancing the integrity of our education and assessment system, we are rolling out online certificate verification.
KNEC will implement a secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electronic certificate system applicable to certificates issued from 2023,” he said.
The electronic system aims to curb fraud, ensure quicker verification, and simplify access for learners, schools, and employers.
The Ministry of Education’s 2026 registration timelines reflect efforts to strengthen the integrity and efficiency of Kenya’s education system.
Through stricter oversight on school registration, enhanced transition measures under CBE, and the rollout of online verification, the ministry seeks to ensure that learners receive fair assessment and that credentials are secure and verifiable.
Parents, school heads, and learners are urged to adhere to the registration schedules to avoid errors that could impact candidates’ assessment and certification.
