More than 2.4 million learners across Kenya have begun their national assessments, with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba presiding over the official opening of a container carrying Grade Six KPSEA and Grade Nine KJSEA examination materials in Makindu, Makueni County.

The exercise marks the start of the five-day Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), which will determine learners’ progress under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), 1,298,089 Grade Six learners are sitting the KPSEA, while 1,130,669 Grade Nine learners are undertaking the KJSEA.

The examinations are scheduled to run for five days, with daily sessions expected to begin at 8:30 a.m. Candidates completed their rehearsal exercises on Friday, October 23, to familiarise themselves with examination procedures and regulations.

The Ministry of Education has cautioned parents, candidates and members of the public against individuals claiming to have early access to examination papers or promising to facilitate cheating.

The ministry has urged the public to ignore such claims, warning that they could be attempts to defraud unsuspecting candidates and parents as the government intensifies efforts to protect the credibility of the national assessments.

Meanwhile, the government has acknowledged concerns over adverse weather conditions in some parts of the country, saying it is working with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, alongside KNEC, to minimise disruptions during the examination period.

The collaboration is intended to ensure examination materials reach designated centres safely and on time, while enabling candidates to undertake the assessments under fair and transparent conditions.

Parents and school administrators have also been urged to cooperate with examination officials and adhere to the established guidelines throughout the exercise.

The government says it remains committed to safeguarding examination materials and ensuring that all eligible learners complete their assessments without unnecessary interruptions.