The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations officially began today, marking the start of a crucial assessment period for thousands of candidates across the country.
According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the first batch of papers involves oral and practical tests in languages and music, running from Tuesday, October 21 to Friday, October 24, 2025, with Arabic oral sessions extending to Monday, October 27.
The subjects kicking off the examinations this week include French (Oral), German (Oral), Kenyan Sign Language (Practical Signing Skills), Music (Practical), and Arabic (Oral).
Each paper takes 15 minutes per candidate, as outlined in the official KNEC timetable.
The 2025 timetable released earlier this year shows that the main written exams will commence on Monday, November 3, 2025, and continue until Friday, November 21, 2025. Rehearsals for written papers are scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2025 — a key day for briefing candidates on examination rules, time management, and identification procedures.
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KNEC has emphasised punctuality, stating that morning papers will begin at 8:00 a.m. and afternoon sessions at 2:00 p.m. No extra time will be allowed except for candidates with special needs.
KNEC Chief Executive Officer Dr David Njeng’ere earlier cautioned candidates and teachers against any attempts at exam malpractice.
The Ministry of Education has deployed invigilators, supervisors, and security officers to ensure the credibility of the process.
Traditionally, KNEC schedules oral and practical papers before theory papers due to logistical demands. Subjects like French, German, Arabic, and Music require individualised assessments that cannot be conducted simultaneously for large groups.
Between today and Friday, October 24, candidates will continue with oral and practical assessments in the listed subjects.
The Arabic Oral paper will continue until Monday, October 27, wrapping up the first phase of the national exam season. After that, schools will prepare for the written examinations, starting with English Paper 1 and Chemistry Paper 1 on Monday, November 3.
Over 900,000 candidates are registered for the exams, sitting in more than 10,000 centres nationwide, according to KNEC data.
By Joseph Mambili
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