Learners begin KPSEA and KJSEA exams as CS Ogamba calls for honesty and calm

Learners across Kenya began their Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) exams on Monday, marking a key moment in the country’s transition under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba led the official launch of the assessments in Kericho County, where he opened the exam container at the Bureti Deputy County Commissioner’s office.

Speaking during the flag-off, CS Ogamba urged candidates to remain calm, focused, and honest throughout the exam period.

“I wish to thank all our teachers, security officers, examination officials, parents, and learners for their cooperation and dedication. I encourage all candidates to remain calm, focused, and honest throughout the examination period. Integrity and hard work are the true pathways to success,” he said.

He assured the public that the government had put in place strong measures to guarantee fairness, transparency, and security in all examination centres.

“The Ministry of Education, Teachers Service Commission, and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration have put in place comprehensive measures to ensure that all examinations and assessments are conducted securely, fairly, and smoothly,” he added.

“Let us all, together, ensure that the 2025 examinations are remembered not only for their scale but for the integrity with which they were conducted and the hope they bring to our nation’s children.”

According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), candidates are sitting the KPSEA and KJSEA in more than 32,000 examination centres countrywide.

KNEC has deployed enhanced monitoring systems, including digital padlocks linked to its central command centre in Nairobi, to curb exam malpractice. Supervisors and invigilators have been directed to strictly adhere to exam integrity rules, including the ban on mobile phones within assessment rooms.

The Basic Education PS Prof Julius Bitok and KNEC CEO David Njengere visited several centres to oversee the smooth distribution and administration of materials.

Meanwhile, KCSE written examinations, which began with oral and practical tests on October 21, 2025, are scheduled to continue with written papers starting November 3, 2025.