KNEC Opens 2025 KCSE Exams Registration: Online Registration Process And Guidelines.
The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has announced the commencement of registration for the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, slated for November.
The process began on February 17 and is set to close on March 28, 2025, as per a circular addressed to sub-county directors of education and school principals.
Online Registration Process
KNEC emphasized that the registration process is entirely online. Schools are required to log onto the KNEC portal at www.knec-portal.ac.ke using their examination center login credentials to facilitate candidate registration.
Guidelines for Institutions and Principals
The circular outlined responsibilities for school principals, assigning them the duty of registering all eligible candidates.
KNEC stressed that only legitimate students should be registered, warning against including non-existent candidates, an act deemed exam malpractice.
The council clarified that such violations could result in severe penalties, including the deregistration of the school as a KNEC examination center.
Candidate Requirements and Compliance
Candidates were advised to adhere to subject entry requirements for grading as specified in the KNEC Rules and Regulations (2015) and the User Guide for Management of KCSE Examination (2nd Edition 2024), both accessible via the KNEC website at www.knec.ac.ke/downloads.
Additionally, candidates must upload accurate passport-size photographs (300 x 300 pixels) and ensure their registration details are correct.
These details include gender, year of birth, citizenship, entry codes (1st, 2nd, or 3rd attempt), birth certificate number, and the subjects they wish to register for. No revisions will be permitted once the registration period ends.
Special Provisions for Candidates with Disabilities
Special needs candidates were instructed to correctly indicate their specific categories. Visually impaired candidates requiring Braille should use the code ‘B,’ while those needing Large Print papers should use the code ‘LV.’
Key Instructions
1. Registration for Regular Candidates
Heads of institutions are tasked with ensuring proper registration, including the following:
- Eligibility Verification: Only eligible candidates should be registered, and schools presenting ghost candidates risk deregistration as KNEC centres.
- Adherence to Subject Guidelines: Candidates must comply with subject entry requirements as per the KNEC Rules and Regulations (2015) and the updated 2024 User Guide.
- Accurate Data Upload: Institutions must ensure correct data entry, including:
- Names as per KCPE certificates
- Gender, birth year, citizenship, and birth certificate number
- Subject combinations and special needs codes (e.g., B for Braille, LV for large print).
- Photograph Submission: Each candidate’s passport photo (300×300 pixels) must be uploaded correctly, as changes after registration will not be allowed.
2. Registration of Repeaters and Private Candidates
Private candidates, including repeaters, should register through Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs).
- Repeaters: Candidates can register as full or partial repeaters, regardless of the year of their initial KCSE attempt, provided they have proof of prior registration.
- Examination Centres: Theory and practical exams will be conducted at county headquarters, while project assessments will occur at sub-county centres. Candidates must confirm registration details and examination venues.
- Fees: Repeaters and private candidates will pay Kes 7,200, via the e-Citizen platform. This payment is mandatory.
3. Examination Fees
- The Government of Kenya will cover examination fees for all candidates in public and private schools, except for:
- Repeaters
- Non-Kenyan candidates
- Private candidates registering at SCDE centres.
- Payment details are available on the KNEC portal.
4. Examination Centre Requirements
- Minimum Candidates: Schools with fewer than five candidates must liaise with SCDEs to register under approved centres.
- Centre Hosting: Centres with fewer than 30 candidates will be merged for examination administration.
- Deregistration: KNEC reserves the right to relocate candidates or deregister centres when necessary.
5. Approval of New Centres
- Inspection Process: Institutions applying for KNEC centre status must submit necessary documentation, including valid registration certificates, public health inspection reports, and application forms. Inspection will conclude by 28th February 2025, after which unapproved centres must coordinate with SCDEs.
- Portal Access: Approved centres will receive credentials for the KNEC registration portal and must secure their passwords.
6. Sub-County Coding and Distribution Centres
New sub-counties requesting coding must provide gazette notices, school lists, and details of distribution centres. SCDEs will oversee the alignment of examination centres with accessible distribution hubs.
7. Data Protection Compliance
Heads of institutions must secure parental consent for the collection and use of candidates’ personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act of 2019. All data will be used exclusively for examination purposes.
Read Also: KCSE Retake Exam: The Proposal, What Went Wrong and What Lies Ahead
Responsibilities and Deadlines
- Nominal Rolls: Candidates must verify and sign nominal rolls to confirm the accuracy of their registration details.
- Submission of Documents: Institutions must submit registration documents to SCDEs by 31st March 2025 for verification. Late registrations will not be accepted.
KNEC Opens 2025 KCSE Exams Registration: Online Registration Process And Guidelines.
Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].
