3.6 Million Candidates to Sit 2026 Exams, Assessments as KNEC Announces Dates

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) will administer national examinations and assessments to more than 3.6 million candidates between October and November 2026.

Speaking on Monday, October 5, KNEC CEO David Njengere said the examinations and assessments will involve a total of 3,634,846 candidates during the period running from October 16 to November 20, 2026.

The large-scale exercise will require thousands of professionals to oversee the administration and management of the examinations and assessments across the country.

"KNEC will engage a total of 342,005 contracted professionals to facilitate the conduct and management of the field administration process," he said.

At the same time, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba warned candidates, centre managers, supervisors and invigilators against engaging in examination malpractice, saying those found violating the regulations would face legal consequences.

"Let me affirm today that we will have no mercy on anyone who will be found engaging in any form of malpractice. All candidates, centre managers, supervisors and invigilators must comply with examination regulations, failing which they will be subjected to the full force of the law," he said.

Ogamba also raised concerns over the expected heavy rains and called for measures to ensure the weather does not disrupt the examination and assessment process.

"As we are all aware, the weatherman has warned us of impending El Nino rains. We must, therefore, put in place all appropriate measures to avert disruptions to the examination and assessment processes on account of the heavy rains anticipated. 

"We will face this challenge through a Whole-of-Government approach, that also involves all stakeholders as relevant. Field officers from all the relevant Ministries and agencies shall be on standby to provide whatever support that will be required to ensure that our processes run seamlessly and that none of our candidates are unnecessarily disadvantaged," he added.

On his part, Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said officials involved in the administration of the examinations must maintain professionalism and remain alert to emerging forms of malpractice.

He specifically highlighted the use of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies in facilitating examination malpractice, urging officials to take effective measures to prevent such practices.

"As officers entrusted with the administration of National Examinations and Assessments, we must remain vigilant and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that all forms of malpractice, including those facilitated by Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies, are effectively prevented. 

"Through our collective efforts, we can preserve the credibility, validity, reliability, and public trust in our examinations and assessments," he stated.

Ololtuaa also acknowledged the role played by examiners and other contracted professionals in ensuring the quality and credibility of the national assessment process.

He said the Ministry of Education would continue prioritising the welfare of contracted professionals amid rising costs associated with administering and scoring national examinations and assessments.

"The Ministry of Education recognizes the indispensable role that examiners play in ensuring the quality and credibility of the assessment process and remains committed to enhancing their working conditions. 

"With the increasing financial demands associated with administering and scoring national examinations and assessments, coupled with the growing number of candidates each year, the Ministry will continue to prioritize the welfare of all contracted professionals," he added.