KNEC Sued Over July 2025 KCSE Exams Series
A legal petition has been filed by Dr. Magare-Gikenyi seeking to halt the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams scheduled for July 2025. The academician argued that the exams were introduced without public participation, contravening constitutional provisions and violating students’ rights.
Dr. Magare-Gikenyi highlighted the absence of stakeholder consultations in the decision-making process. He noted that the newly introduced guidelines had created two distinct groups of candidates: those with a limited preparation window (July) and those with extended revision time (November).
He contended that this disparity was unjustifiable and infringed on Article 27, in conjunction with Articles 24, 10, 73, and 75 of the Constitution.
Additionally, he pointed out that national exams have historically been conducted in November, fostering an expectation among candidates that if they failed, they could retake the exams in the subsequent cycle.
The abrupt change in the exam schedule, he argued, disregards the legitimate expectations of learners, parents, and other stakeholders, thereby breaching their right to fair administrative action.
Rationale for the Mid-Year Exam Series
The Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), Dr. Ogamba, announced during the release of the 2024 KCSE results that the mid-year exam series was introduced to accommodate students unable to sit the November exams or those wishing to retake them.
This initiative is also expected to benefit over 840 candidates whose results were nullified after investigations into exam malpractice during the 2024 KCSE exams.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) announced that registration for the July series will begin on Monday, January 27, and close on Friday, February 21, 2025. Registration will be coordinated through County Directors of Education (CDEs) at county headquarters using the KNEC registration portal.
The July exams will cater to specific categories of candidates, including repeaters aiming to improve their grades. These repeaters are classified as full repeaters (registering for seven or more subjects) or partial repeaters (registering for fewer than seven subjects).
Eligibility extends to candidates previously unable to sit their exams due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness and adult learners with verified primary education qualifications.
Required Documents and Fees
KNEC clarified that all repeaters and private candidates must register for the July series rather than the November series.
Mandatory documents for registration include original and copies of identification documents (National ID, Birth Certificate, or Passport), KCPE certificates, KCSE result slips or certificates for repeaters, and a passport-sized photograph in soft copy.
Candidates will pay a registration fee of Ksh7,200, which will be processed through E-Citizen as detailed on the KNEC platform.
Read Also: Lari Schools Closed Due to Declining Enrollment After 2024 KCSE
The July series will run from July 1 to August 1, 2025, covering both theory and practical exams at county headquarters.
Projects for subjects such as Art and Design, Agriculture, Woodwork, Metalwork, Building Construction, and Computer Studies will take place between January and July 2025. These projects will be administered at sub-county level institutions identified by Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs).
This petition by Dr. Magare-Gikenyi has brought into focus concerns over inclusivity and equity in the administration of national examinations, sparking debate on the balance between reform and adherence to constitutional rights.
KNEC Sued Over July 2025 KCSE Exams
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