Grade 9 learners across the country sat their final Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) papers on Friday, bringing to a close a week in which more than 2.5 million learners took national assessments, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said.

The end of KJSEA, together with the last of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) practical papers, clears the way for the main written KCSE examinations, which begin on Monday, November 2, and end on November 20.

Hitches handled, says Ogamba

Ogamba said the assessments administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) had largely gone smoothly, although there were isolated problems linked to bad weather, administrative discrepancies and learners who needed special arrangements, including medical care.

He said every learner who turned up at their designated centre was allowed to sit the scheduled papers, and credited education officials, security officers and other stakeholders for working together to ensure no candidate was unfairly disadvantaged.

On the final day, KJSEA candidates sat three papers: Pre-Technical Studies from 8.30am, Religious Education in the late morning and Integrated Science from 2pm. Learners using Braille were given extra time on each paper. KCSE candidates, meanwhile, sat practicals in subjects including Art and Design, Power Mechanics, Electricity, Aviation Technology and Computer Studies.

Record numbers

This year's exam cycle is the biggest KNEC has ever handled. According to figures reported by The Star, 1,206,028 Grade 9 learners registered for KJSEA, while 1,380,463 Grade 6 pupils sat the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), which ended on Wednesday.

The KCSE has 1,048,355 registered candidates, the first time the Form Four examination has crossed the one-million mark. The combined candidature across the three assessments stands at 3,634,846.

Placement and KCSE preparations

Ogamba said KJSEA results, together with school-based assessments, would guide the placement of Grade 9 learners into Senior School in January 2027. He assured parents that the process would be orderly, transparent and fair, and would take into account performance, learners' interests and their chosen pathways. The ministry will announce timelines and procedures through official channels, he said.

Ahead of Monday, the CS directed education and security officials to make sure examination centres are ready, personnel are deployed and papers are transported securely. He asked for special attention to be given to candidates with disabilities, those who are unwell and learners in areas hit by adverse weather.

He said the government remained committed to ensuring that national assessments and examinations are run fairly, securely and with integrity, while protecting the welfare of every learner.

Photos: The Star (file); Capital FM. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.