To register for the 2026 national examinations before the March deadlines, follow the specific timelines and procedures set by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). Registration for school-based candidates is primarily managed by the head of the institution through the KNEC Institutional Portal.
2026 Registration Deadlines
The Ministry of Education has set the following windows for various assessments:
- KPSEA (Grade 6): February 16, 2026 – March 16, 2026.
- KJSEA (Grade 9): March 2, 2026 – March 31, 2026.
- KCSE (Form 4): February 16, 2026 – March 31, 2026.
Registration Process
- For School Candidates
Headteachers and Principals must:
- Log In: Access the designated KNEC portal using the school’s unique credentials.
- Verify Data: Ensure accuracy of learner details including names, gender, date of birth, and identification documents (birth certificates or national IDs).
- Upload Photos: Provide a recent passport-size photograph (300 x 300 pixels) for each candidate.
- Confirm Subjects: Select the required subjects as per KNEC clusters.
- Finalize: Download, sign, and stamp the Nominal Roll once data is verified to confirm successful registration.
- For Private Candidates
Private candidates must follow a different route:
- Documentation: Download the registration form from the KNEC website and fill it in triplicate.
- Report to SCDE: Visit the local Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE) office with a national ID, passport, or birth certificate (and evidence of ID application).
- Fees: Pay the requisite examination fees at a designated bank (e.g., KCB) and submit the deposit slip to the SCDE.
Essential Requirements
- Verification: Parents and guardians are urged to double-check their children’s registration details with school heads to avoid costly post-deadline corrections.
- School-Based Assessments: Registration for Grade 10 School-Based Assessments (SBA) will follow immediately after the March cycle closes.
Be sure to confirm your registration details with your school head early, as KNEC has stated there will be no extensions beyond these dates.
