KNEC issues last call for those without KCPE certificates to sit KCSE

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued what amounts to a final opportunity for learners without Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) qualifications to become eligible for the 2027 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.

The examinations council said it will administer KCSE Qualifying Test (QT) in Septermber for prospective 2027 KCSE candidates who do not possess KCPE certificates or equivalent primary school qualifications.

The results of the qualifying test will be used for registration for the 2027 KCSE examination.

In a notice, KNEC urged all eligible candidates and institutions to comply with the registration requirements within the stipulated timelines.

The move comes as the country prepares for the final KCSE examination cycle in 2027 before the full transition to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) pathway.

The announcement effectively makes the 2026 qualifying test the final chance for learners without KCPE certification who wish to hold KCSE qualification.

According to KNEC, all persons without KCPE certificates or their equivalent who intend to register for the 2027 KCSE examination must first undergo validation of their primary school qualifications and subsequently sit the qualifying test.

The requirement also applies to learners who missed the 2023 KCPE examination but were nevertheless allowed to transition to secondary school with authorisation from the Ministry of Education.

“All heads of institutions should ensure that all their Form 3 learners in 2026 who do not have exam qualifications meet the requirements stated within the set timeframes,” the council stated.

The council also opened the opportunity to learners with foreign qualifications currently in Form 3, provided they obtain equation of their credentials through KNEC before registration.

Before being cleared to register for the qualifying test, applicants must submit documents to KNEC for validation.

These include an application letter, report cards or any other proof of having attended primary school, and a validation fee of Sh3,480 with a bank deposit slip as proof of payment.

The council said candidates who successfully complete the validation process will be cleared to proceed with registration for the qualifying test.

“Once prospective candidates complete the validation process, they will be issued with a letter clearing them to register for the KCSE QT,” KNEC said.

The council said that the registration portal for the qualifying test is already open and will close on July 30, 2026.

Administration of the qualifying test will continue to be coordinated through county headquarters as has been the practice in previous years.

Candidates will sit the assessment online in September at venues to be identified by County Directors of Education.

Prospective candidates will be required to present a recommendation letter from their school in the case of regular learners or from the Subounty Director of Education for adult candidates.

They must also provide an equation letter from KNEC where applicable, a soft copy of a passport photograph, and a birth certificate or national identification document.

KNEC said registration for the qualifying test will cost Sh3,000, which candidates will pay through the eCitizen platform.

“The QT results will be used for registration for the 2027 KCSE examination,” the council said.

The 2027 KCSE examination will mark the end of the KCSE system, effectively bringing an end to the 40-year-old 8-4-4 system.