Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has cautioned school principals against denying candidates registration for the 2026 national examinations due to unpaid school fees, warning that such actions will attract disciplinary measures.
Speaking recently at a Thanksgiving ceremony at Kapsabet Girls High School, Ogamba said the Ministry of Education had received reports that some school heads were preventing learners from registering due to outstanding balances. He stressed that the government fully covers examination fees and no student should be barred from sitting national examinations.
“The government pays for exams, so no principal should fail to register a student to undertake the examinations in 2026 because they do not have school fees,” Ogamba said. He added that administrators found culpable would face serious administrative and disciplinary consequences.
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The CS urged parents to play an active role in monitoring the registration process and to confirm that their children have been registered as candidates. He said parental oversight is critical to ensure learners progress smoothly through the education system and transition to higher education.
“I want parents to get involved and confirm that the students who are candidates have been registered to do the examinations in 2026 so that you do not come later to say you were not aware,” Ogamba said. “Please get involved so that all our learners can transition to universities in 2027.”
Ogamba noted that the government had successfully facilitated the transition of learners from Grade Nine to Grade Ten under the competency-based curriculum. He reported that the transition rate stood at 99 per cent nationally and 99.1 percent in the Rift Valley region.
Ogamba also said the government is committed to expanding and strengthening national schools to increase access to quality education and improve student outcomes.
“That is why we are saying these national schools need to be supported and expanded so that we can admit many more students and ensure our learners succeed in life,” he said.
Registration for the 2026 national examinations began on February 16, 2026. The process also accommodates candidates who wish to repeat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
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According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), repeaters can register as full candidates taking seven or more subjects and receiving a certificate, or as partial candidates, taking fewer subjects and receiving a results slip.
Repeat candidates are required to pay Sh7,200 through the eCitizen platform and register via the Sub-County Director of Education offices. Private candidates must also visit the nearest Sub-County office to complete registration and pay directly to KNEC.
The final KCSE examination under the 8-4-4 system is scheduled for 2027, marking the transition to the competency-based curriculum.
By Masaki Enock
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