Nairobi: Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has assured candidates and members of the public that the marking of the Junior Secondary School (JSS) assessment and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will be conducted fairly. He emphasized that every candidate will receive the grade they rightly deserve, ensuring transparency and integrity in the process.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ogamba made this assurance while supervising the opening of the examination container for the physics practical paper, which marked the conclusion of the KCSE examination season. He congratulated the candidates for their resilience and determination and acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders across the republic in making the examination exercise a success.
Ogamba confirmed that a total of 32,558 examiners will be involved in the marking process across 40 centres, with strict integrity checks in place. Examiners from compromised centres have been disqualified to maintain the credibility of the examination process. He encouraged anyone with information on malpractice and collusion to report it to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) or relevant authorities, assuring that each report will be treated seriously to protect the sanctity of the examinations.
The marking of the JSS assessment is ongoing, with results expected to be released by December 11, 2025. This early release will facilitate the placement of learners into schools based on their strengths and interests in the pathways of sports and arts, social science, and STEM. It will also allow parents to prepare adequately before the festive season. The ministry remains committed to delivering quality education and upholding examination integrity in line with national aspirations and Vision 2030.
Ogamba noted that the successful administration of the examinations was due to meticulous planning and the dedication of over 110,000 personnel, including teachers serving as centre managers, supervisors, and invigilators, along with officers from the ministries of education, interior, and national administration. Despite some cases of examination malpractice, with 418 candidates reported compared to 614 last year, the ministry is conducting investigations, and any institution found culpable will face legal consequences under the KNEC Act 2012.
He further stated that impersonation cases will attract severe sanctions, including barring candidates from sitting the KCSE until 2027. All reported cases will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the KNEC Act. Ogamba reaffirmed that merit, fairness, and excellence will continue to define the education system, aiming to educate and graduate young individuals ready to contribute to the economy for a brighter future. He concluded by wishing all candidates success and a merry Christmas.