KCSE 2025: KNEC releases timetable for this week’s exams
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has officially released the timetable for the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, marking the start of the oral and practical exams nationwide.
The exams signal the beginning of a critical phase for thousands of candidates preparing to complete their secondary education.
You might also like
Also Watch: Students to collect KCSE certificates from govt offices, not schools – Ogamba
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the council confirmed that oral and practical exams will run from October 21 to October 27, 2025, beginning with language and performance-based subjects.
“The KCSE 2025 oral and practical examinations are scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 21st October 2025 to Monday, 27th October 2025. All affected candidates and exam administrators are advised to strictly adhere to the provided timetable,” the statement read.
This initial phase of the KCSE mainly targets candidates taking language-based and performance-oriented subjects. KNEC noted that examination centres are expected to implement all logistical and supervisory measures to ensure the exams run smoothly and securely.
According to the official KCSE 2025 timetable, the following subjects will be examined during this period: French, German, Kenyan sign language (practical signing skills), Music (Practical), and Arabic oral. KNEC extended best wishes to all candidates sitting the exams.
Also Watch: KUPPET Siaya warns against student rights violations ahead of KCSE exams.
“We wish all candidates success in their examinations. Let them uphold integrity and discipline throughout the exam period.”
The council also urged schools and exam centres to ensure smooth coordination and adherence to the rules and regulations laid out for national exams.
This comes as Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba continues to fire warnings to education stakeholders as the country ahead of the examinations.
“As always, we look forward to your support in delivering a seamless and credible examination and assessment process. Let us work together to ensure that the outcome reflects the honest work of our students,” he said.
KNEC has confirmed that 1,298,089 learners would be sitting the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), while the inaugural KJSEA will see 1,130,669 students take part.
Meanwhile, at least 996,078 students will sit the KCSE.
Ogamba, in 2024, announced the personalisation of examination papers and the confiscation of all mobile phones in the examination centre as some of the biggest measures to curb exam malpractice.
