KNEC bars KCSE repeaters from registering for November exams

The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has announced that candidates seeking to retake their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams will no longer be allowed to register for the November series.

Instead, they will sit for a newly introduced special KCSE examination  to be administered in July. 

According to KNEC, registration for this first-of-its-kind exam will begin on Monday, January 27 and run for 28 days, closing on February 21. 

In a circular issued by KNEC Chief Executive David Njeng’ere, the registration process will be coordinated through county headquarters via the offices of County Directors of Education (CDEs) on the KNEC registration portal. 

“Candidates wishing to register for the July series are therefore expected to present themselves at their respective county headquarters,” the circular reads. 

The special examination targets: Candidates who missed previous KCSE exams due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, individuals seeking to improve their scores, including those retaking specific subjects, candidates whose results were nullified due to malpractice, and adult learners not enrolled in regular schools but who can provide proof of primary education qualifications. 

KNEC noted that all repeaters and private candidates must register for the July series and are not eligible to register for the November KCSE exams. First-time KCSE candidates are also excluded from this new arrangement. 

Registration requirements 

Candidates must present the following documents to register: 

- National ID card. 

- KCPE certificate or KCSE certificate/slip (for repeat candidates). 

- A passport-sized photograph. 

The registration fee for the July exam series is set at Sh7,200.