School principals have expressed confidence in improved performance in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, saying a stronger focus on individual learner support, mentorship and teamwork is helping candidates approach the national tests with confidence.
With 1,048,355 candidates registered for this year's examination, school heads say the race for academic excellence is increasingly being shaped by early preparation, learner discipline and closer collaboration between teachers, parents and school management.
At Ofafa Jericho High School, Principal Anthony Thuo said good examination results should not be viewed as the responsibility of teachers alone, noting that learners, parents and school administrators must work together to create an environment that supports academic achievement.
He observed that discipline, determination and teamwork remain critical ingredients in helping candidates realise their potential.
Early preparation and individual support
At Loreto Kiambu Girls High School, Principal Lucy Wathika attributed the institution's confidence to early syllabus coverage, motivated teachers and individual attention to learners.
She said completing the syllabus in good time had allowed candidates to concentrate on revision, topical assessments and practising past examination questions without unnecessary pressure.
The school has also strengthened remedial teaching, mentorship and follow-up programmes to ensure learners experiencing academic difficulties receive additional support.
Wathika emphasised that candidates needed encouragement and emotional support as much as academic preparation to perform well in national examinations.
Meanwhile, St Mary's School Runda Principal Redempta Wambua said the country's transition from the 8-4-4 system to Competency-Based Education (CBE) should encourage schools to embrace a broader understanding of learner achievement.
She said the emerging education framework was placing greater emphasis on individual abilities, continuous assessment and practical skills rather than relying exclusively on examination scores.
The changing approach, she noted, presented an opportunity for schools to identify and nurture different talents among learners.
Schools embrace teamwork and broader learner development
Machakos School Principal Benson Manoo also expressed optimism about his institution's performance, citing interventions introduced to strengthen academic outcomes and cooperation between parents and teachers.
The 2026 KCSE examination is particularly significant as it is the second-last national examination under the 8-4-4 system, which has shaped Kenya's education sector for decades.
The final regular cohort under the curriculum is expected to sit the examination in 2027 before the country completes its transition to CBE.
This year's examination, which began on October 19 with practical and oral papers before written examinations commenced on October 28, is scheduled to conclude on November 20.
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