The Kenya National Examinations Council, Knec, registers candidates yearly for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, KCSE, Exams. Knec can also register private Candidates. Read through this post to get all details on registration of candidates for the KCSE exams by Knec.
Registration of examination centres
2.1.1 All new examination centres wishing to register candidates for KCSE examinations must fulfill the following:
i) Submit a valid registration certificate from the Ministry of Education;
ii) Complete and submit an Application Form for registration of a new examinations centre;
iii) Submit a questionnaire duly filled by the Sub-county Director of Education or the Kenya National Examinations Council after inspection of the centre. This must be accompanied by a report giving recommendations on the status of the institution;
2.1.2 Upon approval the centre will be allocated a KNEC examination centre code and uploaded into KNEC database for the particular examination;
2.1.3 When an examination centre relocates to new premise it is required to apply to KNEC for re-inspection.
2.1.4 The Kenya National Examinations Council reserves the right to deregister an examination centre if it is satisfied that the centre does not comply with the regulations or if the continuation of the institution as an examination centre would endanger the security of the examinations. Deregistration may be due to (but not limited to) the following:
i) Inadequate facilities;
ii) Massive examination malpractice;
iii) Unsuitable location of the institution;
iv) Change of physical location without request for re-registration as an examination centre
v) Recommendation for the deregistration of a centre by the County Director of Education for contravention of the Basic Education Act.
2.1.5 The Council reserves the right to combine examination centres for purposes of ease of administration of exminations and for security reasons.
2.2 Identification and Management of Distribution centres
2.2.1 Distribution Centres are facilities (containers) where KNEC secures and distributes examination/assessment materials, installed at sub-county levels. Installation of containers per Sub County may be increased or decreased upon justification by the KNEC and/or Sub-County Director of Education.
2.2.2 The containers are installed in the following premises:
i) Deputy County Commissioner’s premise (DCC);
ii) Assistant County Commissioner’s premise (ACC);
iii) Other government installations to be identified, in exceptional circumstances.
2.2.3 Sub-county Directors of Education for newly created Sub-Counties or those wishing to have an additional container within an already existing sub-county are expected to submit the following:
i) Application Letter;
ii) Gazette notice on creation of the new sub county where applicable;
iii) List of institutions to be served from the distribution centre;
iv) Advice on the location of the container;
v) Proposed routes to be followed during the distribution of the examination materials;
vi) Distance of the furthest institution from the distribution centre;
vii) Any important information on the nature of terrain of the sub- county;
2.2.4 Sub-counties that may require allocation of extra Distribution Centres must write to KNEC giving justification for additional container.
2.2.5 The container is secured by application of double locking system. The keys are held by the Deputy County Commissioner and the Sub- County Director of Education or their representatives.
2.2.6 The containers are to be opened at the time stipulated by KNEC to enable timely delivery of examination papers to examination centres.
2.2.7 In case of a defect on the container, the Sub-County Director of Education should immediately report the matter to the Chief Executive Officer, Kenya National Examinations Council.
2.3 Registration of KCSE examination candidates
2.3.1 The instructions on registration of candidates for the KCSE examinations are based on the prevailing Regulations and Syllabuses which give the guidelines and procedures required for the registration of candidates. The registration process is online.
2.3.2 The dates for registration of candidates for the KCSE examination shall be communicated through a circular before commencement of the exercise. The dates must be adhered to since there will be no late registration of candidates.
2.3.3 All examination centers’ including private candidate(s) centers are expected to log on to the KNEC website: www.knec- portal.ac.keregistration platform using their log in credentials and enter details of the candidates’.
2.3.4 School candidates registered for the KCSE examination must meet the following minimum requirements:
i) KCPE examination certificate or its equivalent;
ii) Prospective candidates with foreign certificates must seek equation of their certificates from KNEC one year before the These candidates must sit and pass the KCSE Qualifying Test where applicable;
iii) Primary certificate other than KCPE for example CPE, an equation letter and a result slip from KNEC indicating that they have passed the KNEC KCSE Qualifying Test;
2.3.5 After all the information for the candidates has been keyed online, heads of schools MUST re-check the online report thoroughly to ensure that it is accurate. The head teacher must then download the list of candidates, sign and stamp on the space provided and indicate all other details required in the nominal roll after verification.
2.3.6 Registration of private candidates for KCSE examination shall be organized and carried out by the Sub-County Director of Education.
2.3.7 The minimum candidature that an examination centre is allowed to
present for the examination is fifteen (15) candidates.
2.3.8 Examination centres presenting fewer candidates than the required minimum should be hosted by other examination centres. Prisons and institutions presenting candidates with special needs are exempted from this regulation.
2.3.9 The Kenya National Examinations Council has categorized the candidates with special needs as follows:-
i) Visually impaired – low vision and blind candidates;
ii) Hearing impaired candidates;
iii) Physically challenged candidates;
iv) Mentally Challenged;
2.3.10 Information on the above candidates giving details of index number, subjects registered for and degree of impairment must be captured during registration.
2.3.11 Depending on the degree of impairment the Council will facilitate the candidates appropriately upon receipt of supporting evidence from competent medical authority.
2.3.12 A candidate is considered duly registered upon fulfilling the following:
i) all the registration requirements including the entry requirements and criteria for the award of the KCSE certificate are met;
ii) Candidate’s details are successfully The subjects are duly selected as per subject cluster as stipulated in the regulations governing the specific examination;
iii) all candidates’ photographs have been uploaded in the correct format;
iv) signing of the nominal roll;
v) Payment of fees where applicable;
vi) all the registration documents have been received at the Council within the stipulated period. Depositing of money in to the KNEC Bank collection accounts does not mean that a candidate is automatically registered.
2.3.13 Candidates will be considered registered after fulfilling the following conditions:
i) all the registration requirements including the entry requirements and criteria for the award of the KCSE certificate are met;
ii) signing of the nominal roll;
iii) all the registration documents have been received at the Council within the stipulated period. Depositing of money in to the KNEC Bank collection accounts does not mean that a candidate is automatically registered;
iv) all candidates’ photographs have been uploaded in the correct format.
2.3.14 The transfer of candidates from one examination centre to another is only allowed under the following conditions:
i) Within two (2) months after the deadline of registration of candidates;
ii) Submission of letters from the heads of institutions releasing and accepting the candidate;
iii) Transfer fees is currently being charged at Kes.1,000 for KCSE (overtime this is subject to change without notice).
2.3.15 Errors committed during registration and not indicated in the nominal roll for correction during the registration period may attract a penalty.
2.3.16 Queries regarding examination results should be submitted to the KNEC within thirty (30) days of the date of release of examination results. The queries must be forwarded to the Council by the heads of institutions (for institutional candidates) and through the Sub-county Director of Education for private candidates.
2.3.17 Any query received after the lapse of the given grace period will be processed at a fee to be determined by the KNEC from time to time.
2.3.18 The agents and clients of the Kenya National Examinations Council must beware of practices that occur during the registration of candidates that breach the examination rules and regulations leading to the abetting of examination irregularities. Some of these practices include:
i) Double registration of candidates either in different examination centres or in the same examination centre is an offence and will constitute impersonation which is an examination irregularity. Such candidates will have their results cancelled;
ii) Registration of a candidate using a wrong name or identity is tantamount to impersonation and is illegal;
iii) Registering of a candidate who has been studying in another school or tuition venue constitute to abetting impersonation which is an examination irregularity. Such examination centres will be barred from subsequent registration of candidates and be deleted from the data base of examination centres.
iv) Registering a candidate using a false certificate is a criminal offence. v) Registration of adults in formal schools in order to evade payment of examination fees.
2.3.19 Candidates who change their names from the ones on the qualifying certificate (KCPE or other certificates) without submitting a Kenya Gazette notice to KNEC will not receive their KCSE examination results. Head teachers are asked to bring this information to the attention of the candidates, parents and guardians.
2.3.20 First attempt candidates should be entered under code I, candidates repeating the entire examination should be entered under code 2 while partial repeaters will be entered under code 3. Head teachers must understand the implication of entering first attempt candidates under code 2. The system will calculate the individual candidate’s fees based on repeaters fees structure.
2.3.21 KNEC does not allow submission of registration documents through the Post Office under any circumstances. Any entries received through Post will be rejected and returned to the sender through the same means. All registration documents must be submitted to KNEC through the SCDE offices after registering candidates on-line and downloading the data for verification by the school/examination centre and candidates.
2.3.22 A candidate’s full index number has eleven digits, i.e.: the county number (2 digits), the centre number (6 digits) and the individual candidate’s number (3 digits). For the KCSE examination, the first candidate at an examination centre should be given the number 001, e.g. centre 24950500, the full index number of the first candidate should be 24950500001. Candidates taking subjects with a project should maintain the index numbers they have already been allocated for the project. County Codes (appendix 1)
2.3.23 First attempt candidates and repeaters taking seven (7) subjects and above should be allocated index numbers starting from 001-499 in an examination centre. This applies to both school and private candidates. An example of index number allocation in a school or private candidates centre is as follows:-
➢ 35610101001-35610101199 (school candidates)
➢ 24950500001-24950500499 (private candidates)
2.3.24 Repeaters taking less than seven (7) subjects (candidates registering for between one (1) and six (6) subjects) should be allocated index numbers starting from 801-899. An example of index number for both school and private candidates taking less than seven (7) subjects is as follows:
➢ 35610101801-35610101899 (school candidates)
➢ 24950500801-24950500899 (private candidates);
2.3.25 Candidates registering for the KCSE examination must present KCPE or qualifying test results certificates to the head teacher to ascertain their KCPE index numbers. The index number and year on the qualifying certificate should then be entered into the appropriate columns during the registration exercise. The system will automatically search for names used by the candidate during the KCPE examination and the person registering will pick the names as they are in the KNEC database;
2.3.26 The names and all registration documents of candidates with foreign equated certificates should be sent on a separate sheet of paper showing the year and the country where the examination was taken, passport number and dates of departure from or entry into Kenya. The sheet containing this information must be signed by the head teacher/SCDE/CDE and fully stamped to authenticate the documents. Copies of letters of equation from KNEC should be attached to these documents for verification.
2.3.27 The following details should be filled in during registration:
i) Year of Birth
The ‘YEAR OF BIRTH’ of the candidate is auto filled from the previous KCPE registration details.
ii) Birth Certificate Number
Indicate the individual candidate’s Birth Certificate Number (Entry Number) in the space provided in the online registration portal. Copies of birth certificates are not required and should not be submitted to KNEC.
iii) Entry Attempt Code
The entry attempt code should be indicated in the space provided in the online registration portal. First attempt candidates should be entered under code 1. Candidates repeating the entire examination should be entered under code 2 and partial repeaters under code 3.
iv) Gender Code
The gender of the candidate is auto filled from the candidates previous KCPE details.
v) Citizen Status Grid Indicate either ‘C’ for citizen or ‘N’ for non-citizen in the space provided in the online registration portal.
2.3.28 Head teachers are requested to verify the primary school qualification of all their candidates to ensure authenticity during the registration exercise. Head teachers are requested to advise candidates to seek confirmation of examination results for candidates holding KCPE and foreign certificates which they are in doubt of to avoid using of a fake certificate.
2.4 Entry qualifications for Private candidates
Private candidates should possess:
2.4.1 a valid KCPE examination certificate, EACE, KCE or an equivalent foreign qualification accompanied by an equation letter from KNEC OR a C.P.E (Certificate Of Primary Education) certificate and a result slip from KNEC indicating that they have passed the KCSE Qualifying Test;
2.4.2 a primary school certificate from a foreign examination board, with equation letter from KNEC and a pass in KCSE Qualifying Test.
2.4.3 evidence of having spent at least 3 years preceding the year of KCSE
registration after sitting the KCPE and other primary examinations;
2.4.4 a national Identity card, passport or an alien identity card is required.
Where this is not possible, the birth certificate and evidence of National Identity card application (waiting card) will be required;
2.4.5 duly filled private candidates’ registration forms downloaded from the
KNEC website. www.knec-portal.ac.ke
2.4.6 No candidates should deposit examination fees individually into the KNEC deposit accounts before reporting to the Sub County Director of Education.
2.5 Requirements for repeaters
There are two categories of repeaters:
2.5.1 Repeaters taking a minimum of seven (07) subjects
Candidates repeating 7 subjects and above may re-sit the KCSE
examination as many times as they wish as long as:
i) they meet the entry requirements irrespective of the year when they first sat for the KCSE examination;
ii) the subjects they wish to re-sit are being offered in the current
curriculum and examination;
iii) they repeat the subjects taken in the last examination attempt;
iv) These candidates should be given regular index numbers (001-499) for school, private and repeating candidates.
2.5.2 Candidates who choose to repeat less than 7 subjects
i) These candidates can sit for a minimum of one (1) subject and a maximum of six (6) subjects;
ii) The candidates must have sat for the KCSE examination not more than three years preceding the year of the These candidates should be given index numbers ending with 801,802 etc for both School and Private repeaters.
iii) Candidates repeating the KCSE examination must not introduce new subjects that they did not sit for during the first attempt;
iv) The candidates will get a result slip which will only show subject grade(s). The subject grade(s) on the result slip will not be used to alter the mean grade attained in previous examination sessions;
v) candidates who wish to repeat less than seven subjects will only be allowed to repeat provided the subject(s) being repeated appear in their previous exam
2.6 Candidates with Foreign Qualifications/Certificates
2.6.1 Candidates holding foreign certificates must apply for equation of their qualifications/certificates and receive an approved equation letter allowing them to register for the KCSE examination.
2.6.2 The equation of the foreign qualification must be undertaken one year before registration of the KCSE examination;
2.6.3 The equation of the foreign certificate will be done by the KNEC at a fee.
For more details on equation of foreign certificates visit the KNEC website www.knec.ac.ke.
2.6.4 These candidates are also required to sit for the KCSE Qualifying Test which should be sat for one year before registering for KCSE examination.
2.6.5 Candidates in this category must submit a result slip from KNEC
indicating that they have passed the KCSE qualifying test and the equation letter from KNEC before they are registered for the KCSE examination;
2.6.6 It is the responsibility of the head teachers and Sub County Education Officers to ensure that such candidates are registered on-line with the correct previous examination details;
2.6.7 They must meet the subject entry requirements for award of the KCSE certificate.
2.7 Candidates with CPE Certificates
2.7.1 This category of candidates must enter for a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 9 subjects. They must sit for the Qualifying Test one year before registration of the KNEC examination;
2.7.2 They must produce evidence of having spent at least 3 years preceding the year of registration for the KCSE examination after sitting the CPE examination;
2.7.3 They must produce a National identity card, passport or an alien identity card. Where this is not possible, the birth certificate and evidence of application for a National Identity card (waiting card) will be required.
2.8 Subject Entry Requirements
Entry requirements remain as usual, it’s only grading criteria that has changed so no revision.
2.8.1 The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education shall be awarded to all candidates who fulfill all the requirements for the KCSE examination as prescribed in the KNEC Regulations and Syllabuses. All candidates except repeaters MUST sit for a minimum of seven (7) subjects selected from groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as follows:
Table 2: KCSE Examination Subject Choices
Subject Name Subject Code Number of Options
GROUP I (All Compulsory)
English 101
Kiswahili 102
Mathematics Option “A” 121 (choose one option)
Mathematics Option “B” 122
Biology 231
Physics 232
Chemistry 233
Biology for the Blind 236
GROUP II
General Science 237 (to be taken with 122 )
GROUP III
History & Government 311
Geography 312
Subject Name Subject Code Number of Options
Christian Religious Ed. 313
Islamic Religious Ed. 314 (choose one option) Hindu Religious Ed. 315
Home Science 441
Art & Design 442
Agriculture 443
Woodwork 444
Metal Work 445
Building Construction 446
Power Mechanics 447
Electricity 448
Drawing & Design 449
Aviation Technology 450
GROUP IV
Computer Studies 451
French 501
German 502
Arabic 503
Kenyan Sign Language 504
Music 511
Business Studies 565
GROUP V
2.8.2 Sighted Candidates
These candidates may take the following combination of subjects:
Either:
i) All the three subjects from Group 1-(code numbers
101,102 and 121);
ii) at least two subjects from Group 2 (code numbers 231, 232
and 233);
iii) at least one subject from Group 3 (code numbers 311, 312
and 313/314/315);
iv) any other one (1) subject selected from the remaining subjects from Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5;
v) candidates can sit for a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of nine (9) subjects. The extra 1 or 2 subjects can be selected from Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5;
Or
i) three subjects in Group 1 (code numbers 101,102 and
122);
ii) General Science from Group 2 (code number 237);
iii) At least one subject from Group 3 (code numbers 311,
312 and 313/314/315);
iv) two (2) subjects selected from the remaining subjects from
Groups 3, 4 and 5;
v) candidates can sit for a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of nine (9) subjects. The extra 1 or 2 subjects can be selected from Groups 3, 4 and 5;
2.8.3 Candidates with Visual impairment (Blind Candidates)
i) Three subjects from Group 1 (code numbers 101, 102 and
121);
ii) Biology for the Blind code number 236 in Group 2
iii) At least one subject from Group 3 (code numbers 311, 312 and
313/314/315);
iv) Any other two subjects selected from the remaining subjects from Group 3, Home Science only code number 441 from Group 4 and Group 5;
v) candidates can sit for a maximum of seven (7) to nine (9) subjects.
The extra 1 or 2 subjects can be selected from Groups 3, Home
Science only from Group 4 and Group 5 subjects.
2.8.4 Candidates with Hearing impairments (HI) Either
i) three subjects from Group 1 (code numbers 101, 102 and 121)
OR English (101), Mathematics Alternative A (121) and
Kenyan Sign Language (504);
ii) at least two subjects from Group 2 (code numbers 231, 232
and 233);
iii) at least one subject from Group 3 (code numbers 311, 312 and
313/314/315);
iv) any other one (1) subject selected from the remaining subjects from Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5);
v) candidates can sit for a maximum of seven (7) and nine (9)
subjects. The extra 1 or 2 subjects can be selected from Groups 2,
3, 4 and 5.
OR
i) three subjects in Group 1 (code numbers 101,102 and
122) OR English (101), Mathematics Alternative B (122) and Kenyan Sign Language (504);
ii) General Science from Group 2 (code number 237);
iii) at least one subject from Group 3 (code numbers 311,
312 and 313/314/315);
iv) any two subjects selected from the remaining subjects from
Groups 3, 4 and 5;
v) candidates can sit for a maximum of nine (9) subjects. The extra 1 or 2 subjects can be selected from Groups 3, 4 and 5
vi) Schools wishing to offer Mathematics Alternative “B” and General Science must get clearance from the Director of Quality Assurance and Standards Ministry of Education, Science and A copy of the clearance letter must be attached to the registration documents submitted to KNEC;
vii) English code 101, Kiswahili code 102 and Mathematics Alternative A code 121 or Alternative B code 122 remain compulsory for all candidates except for those with Hearing Impairment who can choose between Kiswahili code 102 and Kenyan Sign Language code 504;
viii) Kenyan Sign Language (504) in group V can be taken as an optional subject by any candidate who has been adequately prepared and has covered the prescribed syllabus;
ix) Hearing impaired candidates who opt to take both Kiswahili code 102 and the Kenyan Sign Language code 504 will be graded using Kiswahili code 102 as their second compulsory
language subject. Those who opt to take the Kenyan Sign
Language 504 and NOT Kiswahili will be graded using Kenyan Sign language code 504 as their second compulsory language subject;
x) While making the above choices, the Head teachers, Class teachers and Career teachers must advise the candidates appropriately concerning the certificate award criteria. The subject cluster must be taken into consideration to ensure that candidates have chosen the correct subjects in all the required clusters in order to be awarded the KCSE examination results and certificate.
2.8.5 Entries for Candidates with Special Needs
i) Head teachers and Sub County Directors of Education are advised to carefully select the category for each individual candidate and enter the information in the form for candidates with special needs.
ii) This form should be downloaded from the KNEC website and then completed only after the head teacher has adequate evidence of the disability of the candidate(s). The form should be submitted together with registration The entries must be accompanied by:
(a) a recent and detailed medical report from a recognized medical doctor/practitioner;
(b) a full size coloured photograph for physical disability cases; (c) a detailed report from the EARC officer on the ability of the candidate;
(d) a detailed report from the head teacher indicating whether or not the candidates will require any form of assistance from KNEC during the examinations and details of the nature of assistance that the candidates may require.
(e) a detailed report from the head teacher on the kind of assistance given to the candidates during the internal examinations sessions.
2.8.6 Candidates with Low Vision
Candidates with low vision will require Large Print papers. Centre Managers and SCDEs should note the following:
i) the large print papers will be available in N18 print only;
ii) the large print papers will be the exact copy of the papers for sighted Candidates entered for large print papers must therefore follow the same regulations and syllabuses applicable to the sighted candidates.
iii) Large Print Question Papers should not be requested for if not required.
2.9 Uploading of photographs of the Candidates
All candidates are required to upload coloured passport size photographs on-line during entry/keying of the candidates’ registration details. The specification of the photograph is 300 x 300 pixes.
2.9.1 No photographs in electronic form or CD shall be submitted to KNEC for action during the registration process.
2.9.2 Candidates are reminded that the photographs will appear on the nominal roll and random sticker and will also be embossed onto the candidates’ certificates. No candidate will be issued with a certificate without a photograph.
2.9.3 Detailed instructions on submitting photographs electronically to KNEC are outlined in the Online Registration Manual available on the KNEC website.
2.10 Registration of Private Candidates
2.10.1 Any candidate wishing to register as a private candidate will be required to report to the Sub County Director of Education for registration. submit all other registration download the private candidate’s registration form from the KNEC website (www.knec.ac.ke).
2.10.2 The candidate will fill the private candidates’ form which can be accessed through the registration portal and provide documents required to complete the registration process including examination fees.
2.10.3 The registering officers should ensure that each applicant has the original certificate or result slip and photocopies for certification.
2.10.4 All subjects offered for the KCSE examination are printed on the private candidates’ form to enable the candidates select the subjects as per subject clusters.
2.10.5 Extreme care should be taken in the choice of the optional subjects so as to meet the grade award criteria.
2.11 Handling of Transfer of KCSE Examination Candidates
2.11.1 Transfer of a candidate from one examination centre to another may be authorized by the Council on reasons accepted as adequate and on payment of a transfer fee to be determined. Requests for transfer must be consented to by both the releasing and receiving head teachers through their respective Sub County Directors of Education.
2.11.2 Applications for transfer of candidates must reach the Council within two months after closure of registration. Applications for transfer received after this period will not be considered.
2.12 Double Registration of Candidates
Candidates uploaded online are not allowed to be registered in two examination centres. These candidates are considered to have double registered which is an examination irregularity.
2.13 Withdrawal of Candidates from the KCSE Examination
A candidate who withdraws from the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination will not be entitled to a refund of any of the examination fees paid. neither will the fees paid be transferable to any other candidate.
2.14 Payment related issues in Registration of candidates
2.14.1 The Ministry of Education will remit examination fees for all KCSE candidates both private and public schools. However the following candidates will be required to pay examination fees:-
i) KCSE private candidates ii) KCSE repeaters
iii) KCSE foreign candidates (non citizens)
2.14.2 Examination fees is not refundable or transferable to another candidate nor to another year.
2.14.3 Any Centre Manager or SCDE/SCXO who embezzles examination fees will have committed financial fraud and KNEC will not take responsibility.
2.15 Payment of Examination Fees
2.15.1 The Ministry of Education shall remit examination fees for all public and private schools. All repeaters, private candidates and non-citizens are expected to pay examination fees through their examination centers and remit the same to the Sub County Directors of Education.
2.15.2 All Examination fees must be paid into the Fees Collection Accounts
in any of the banks listed below:
i) Co-operative Bank;
ii) National Bank of Kenya iii) Kenya Commercial Bank iv) Equity Bank
2.15.3 Re-sitting candidates will pay examination as outlined below: Examination fees payable by the government for first attempt candidates are as follows:-
i) Basic fees -Kes.2,200.00 per candidate;
ii) Subject fees -Kes.400.00 per subject.
2.15.4 Table 3a gives a breakdown of the fees to be paid by the government per school candidate for first entry candidates in accordance with the number of subjects:
Table 3a : Fees Payment by the government for first entry candidates (Institutional candidates)
Number of Subjects 7 8 9
Total fees in Kes. 5,000 5,400 5,800
2.15.5 Examination fees payable for re- sitting, private and foreign candidates are as follows:
i) Basic fees: 2,700.00 per candidate;
ii) Subject fees: Kes.400.00 per subject;
2.15.6 The table below indicates what individual repeating candidates will be required to pay in accordance with the number of subjects entered for:
Table 3b: Payment for KCSE Examination per Subject(s) for Re- sitting, private and foreign candidates
Number of Subjects 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Total fees in Kes. 3,100 3,500 3,900 4,300 4,700 5,100 5,500 5,900 6,300
The rates shall be subject to review from time to time.
2.15.7 Candidates who enter for the subjects with a project component will pay an extra fee of Kes.200.00, while for Practical/Aural/ Oral component candidates will be required to pay an extra fee of Kes.500.00 per subject for all categories of candidates. The subjects are given in Table 3c.
Table 3c: Subjects with a Practical/Aural/ Oral Component
Subject Subject
i) Home Science (441) ix) Drawing and Design (449)
ii) Art & Design (442) x) Computer Studies (451)
iii) Agriculture (443) xi) French (501) iv) Woodwork (444) xii) German (502) v) Metal work (445) xiii) Arabic (503)
vi) Building construction (446) xiv) Kenyan Sign Language (504)
vii) Power Mechanics (447) x) Music (511)
viii) Electricity (448)
2.15.8 Candidates taking Aviation Technology (450) will pay a fee of
Kes.2,500 for the practical paper.
2.15.9 It is the responsibility of the head teacher/SCDE to ensure that the correct fee is paid promptly by the institution to avoid queries on remittance of the examination fees.
2.15.10 Fees proforma referenced KNEC/EA/EM/KCSE/REG/FS is provided on the KNEC Website and should be downloaded and completed by the Head teacher/SCDE for submission along with the registration documents. The envelopes containing certified bank deposit slips should be submitted separately. The total fees shown on the KCSE fees proforma invoice must be paid in one remittance by schools i.e. one bank deposit slip to the Secretary, Kenya National Examinations Council. Cheques or payment in cash will not be accepted. For fees collection accounts please refer to general information in part 1 of this manual.
2.15.11 Any candidate who withdraws from an examination will not be entitled to a refund of the examination fees.
2.16 Penalty on amendment of registration data after closure of registration period
2.16.1 Since KCSE registration is on-line, the Centre Managers and SCDEs (for private centres) will be responsible for the accuracy of the registration data. The Kenya National Examinations Council will not take
responsibility for any mistakes arising from the registration details
submitted by either the head teachers/SCDE/CDEs.
2.16.2 Any amendment requested after closure of the registration period will attract a penalty to be determined by KNEC from time to time. KNEC reserves the right to accept or reject a request of amendment(s).
2.17 Roles of stakeholders in the registration of candidates
The following is a summary of the roles of the various stakeholders involved in the registration of candidates:
2.17.1 County Directors of Education (CDEs) and Sub County Directors of Education (SCDEs) are expected to ensure the following:
i) All institutions presenting candidates for the KCSE examination are approved by the Kenya National Examination Council after meeting the requirements to be an examination
centre stipulated in part I of this Manual. Only schools and
centres approved by KNEC as KCSE examination centres after inspection by SCDEs/CDEs are allowed to register qualified candidates.
ii) Registration for all eligible candidates is undertaken as expected, accurately and within the set timeframes.
iii) Private candidates remit their examination fees through Sub
County Director of Education office.
iv) All head teachers presenting candidates for the KCSE examination download and submit hard copies of their on-line registration data (nominal roll) vetted and signed by the candidates by the end of the registration period.
v) Maintenance of a checklist of all KCSE School and private examination centres in the Sub County. This should be submitted to the Council during submission of registration materials.
vi) Centres hosting private candidates during practical papers have all the required facilities to host the candidates in the Sub county.
vii) All eligible candidates are registered by confirming their details against the respective Form III registers before accepting their registration documents. The nominal roll duly signed by the candidates is only submitted ONCE to the Council.
viii) First attempt candidates are entered for a minimum of seven (7) subjects as per the subject cluster prescribed in the KCSE Examination Regulations and Syllabuses
ix) Principals submit Declarations that all eligible candidates have been registered and the correct examination fees has been deposited in the KNEC KCSE Bank Collection Accounts where applicable.
2.17.2 The County Directors of Education (CDE), Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE), Head teachers, parents and other stake holders must take note that there will be no registration of candidates after the stipulated registration period.
2.17.3 Centre Managers have the responsibility of accurately registering
eligible candidates’ by ensuring that:
i) the centre is an approved examination centre with the required facilities and valid registration certificate from the Ministry of Education;
ii) all eligible candidates in the centre are registered for the examination. Candidates must be correctly categorized as first attempt or repeaters. First time candidates are those who will have studied continuously during the three years preceding registration in secondary schools;
iii) subject entry requirements and regulations are met as spelt out in the relevant KCSE examination regulations and syllabuses;
iv) all eligible candidates are uploaded in the registration database
and examination fees paid for repeaters, private candidates and non-citizens;
v) registration details for all candidates are accurately
Please note that the name in the nominal roll for the KCSE examination must be a replica of name appearing on the candidates’ qualifying certificate. It is very important that the correct KCPE examination year or KCSE Qualifying Test and index number is given for each candidate;
vi) the candidates are entered for the correct subjects (codes) as given in these instructions under subject entry Care must be taken to observe any restrictions or special requirements that are stated in the KCSE Examination Regulations and Syllabuses;
vii) candidates have uploaded their coloured passport size photographs as per the KNEC specification. (See instructions on uploading of candidates photographs);
viii) all candidates are registered only for the subjects offered in the school;
ix) Principals /SCDE MUST fill in the details required for on the
return envelope. The ‘Name of School’ must be the same as the one appearing on the valid Certificate of Registration. This name will appear on the candidates’ certificates;
x) schools shall download a copy of label for the return envelope from the KNEC website and paste it on the envelope to be used
to return registration materials;
xi) the head teachers and Sub County Education officers (for private candidates) will be required to key in the KCPE or equation details of the candidate for retrieval of the candidate’s previous details which should be used for the registration;
xii) Sub-county Director of Education of the private centre should verify the entries by checking the certificate and the identity card to confirm that it is for the same candidate. If satisfied that all requirements have been met the candidate’s number and appropriate entry code will be written in the column marked “for official use” in the entry form and the amount of examination fees to be paid and sign it. The Sub-county
Director of Education will then attach the certified copies of the certificate or result slip to the form. The candidates will then pay the relevant examination fees;
xiii) the SCDE of the private centre has collected the registration data for private candidates and confirmed the fees payment in the KNEC collection accounts, after which they will upload the data into KCSE data base;
xiv) the SCDE of the private centre will then download the candidates’ registration data/nominal roll for the candidates to verify and sign the nominal roll for correctness of their details;
The SCDE submits the downloaded and signed list of private candidates (nominal roll), certified bank deposit slips along with other items to KNEC as per the return programme;
xv) The SCDE ensuring that the optional subjects appearing on the private candidates’ list tally with the private candidates’ nominal rolls for the Sub-county;
xvi) The SCDE ensuring that the candidates’ photos have been uploaded as
per the index numbers of the candidates and KNEC specifications.
2.18 Uploading of KCSE Advance Instructions for subjects with
Project/Practical Component
2.18.1 The KCSE examination starts with the following subjects with a project component, 441/3, 442/3, 443/3, 444/2, 445/2, 446/2, 451/3, 501/3,
502/3, 503/3, 504/3, and 511/1 in the month of January, every year. For some of the subjects with projects there will be two milestones between January and July every year.
2.18.2 The advance instructions for the subjects will be posted online for the administration of the project work as per the KCSE examination timetable;
2.18.3 Sub County Directors of Education (for private candidates) and head teachers with candidates registered for subjects listed above are required to log on to the KNEC website: www.knec-portal.ac.ke and click on projects button to download all the instructions related to the subjects the candidates are registered for;
2.18.4 The marking schemes for all the subjects shall be uploaded together with the advance instructions for use in assessing the projects for both Milestone I and II.
2.18.5 Scores for Projects, Practicals, Orals and Aurals will be submitted online for candidates registered for 441/3, 442/3, 443/3, 444/2, 445/2, 446/2,
451/3, 501/3, 502/3, 503/3, 504/3, and 511/1.
2.18.6 It is the responsibility of the Sub County Directors of Education and head teachers to ensure that the candidates’ scores are keyed. Failure to key the candidates’ scores in the KNEC website shall attract a penalty fee per candidate.
Figure 1: Steps to follow in Uploading Candidates’ Details
Figure 2: KCSE Examination Registration Log in Page
Figure 3: Adding a Candidate into the KCSE Examination Register
Figure 4: Adding a Special Needs Candidate into the KCSE Examination Register
Figure 5: Editing Data on an Existing Candidate into the KCSE Examination Register
Figure 6: Nominal Roll for the KCSE Examination Register
2.19 Return of Registration Materials
2.19.1 All schools must submit their registration documents through the Sub County Directors of Education. The registration details for the candidates must be correctly captured. This information must be carefully checked and submitted to the Council together with the entry forms.
2.19.2 To ensure that the registration documents are submitted to KNEC according to the delivery programme forwarded to all sub-counties. The following documents are expected to be submitted to KNEC:
i) Signed nominal rolls;
ii) Declaration forms;
iii) Candidates with special needs forms;
iv) Nil return forms;
v) Deposit slips for fees payment for repeaters, non-citizens and private candidates.
2.20 KCSE Qualifying Test
The KCSE Qualifying Test (QT) is a proficiency test measuring candidate’s ability to sit for the KCSE examination. The examination is taken in one day during the month of November during the administration of the KPSEA assessment.
2.20.1 Eligibility
The KCSE Qualifying Test is open to all bona-fide residents of Kenya and those in the Kenya Missions abroad after making a formal application to
KNEC six months before the year of examination. The persons must fulfill the following entry requirements as stipulated the regulations:
i) All persons with primary certificate other than KCPE certificate eg
Certificate of Primary Education (CPE).
ii) All persons with a foreign primary certificate received after less than eight years of primary school education.
2.20.2 Registration of KCSE QT Candidates
i) Registration of candidates is undertaken at the office the County Director of Education between January and Registration is done online like other KNEC examinations.
ii) The following documents are required for registration of candidate:-
a) Bank deposit slip of the prescribed examination fees. As of year 2017 the examination fees is 3,000.00.
b) Certified copy of the CPE certificate
or
c) Certified copy of a foreign certificate of primary school education and a letter of equation from KNEC recommending the candidate to sit for KCSE Qualifying Test.
iii) Any further information on registration and conduct of this examination are those given in Part 1 of this Manual.
2.20.3 Examination KCSE QT shall be offered once a year at the end of the year.
i) The online administration of the test allows for timely processing and notification of results.
ii) Once a candidate passes the test, he or she can register for KCSE for the subsequent year before the registration deadline.
2.20.4 Guidelines on Release of KCSE (QT) Results
The subjects offered for the Qualifying Test shall cover content from primary school; Form 1 and 2 Secondary school syllabus as follows:
i) QT 903/1: English
This paper shall comprise 50 objective questions, drawn from the following areas:
(a) Cloze test – 10 marks
(b) Oral skills – 5 marks (c) Grammar – 20 marks (d) Comprehension – 15 marks
The total score in this paper will be 50 marks. The duration of the paper shall be 2 hours.
ii) QT 903/2: Kiswahili
This paper shall comprise 50 objective questions drawn from the following areas:
(a) Cloze test- 15 marks
(b) Grammar – 20 marks
(c) Comprehension – 15 marks
The highest score in this paper is 50 marks. The duration of the paper shall be 2 hours.
iii) QT 904: Mathematics and Science
The paper shall comprise 50 objective questions in two
sections as follows:
(a) Section A: Mathematics
This section shall comprise 20 objective questions. The highest score in this section shall be 40 marks.
(b) Section B: Science
This section shall comprise 30 objective questions as follows:
(i) Chemistry – 10 marks; (ii) Biology – 25 marks; (iii) Physics – 50 marks.
The highest score in this section will be 60 marks
The duration of the paper shall be 2 hours and 30 minutes.
2.20.5 General Information
(i) Qualifying Test is a proficiency examination. The pass mark is 35%.
(ii) KNEC gives a formal statement upon release of the results. (iii) Result slips for the QT are produced two weeks after the test.
(iv) Result slips for the QT are produced real time.
When does the registration of candidates for KCSE examinations take place?
Registration takes place based on the School Calendar and guidance from the Council from time to time.
Check the KNEC website or contact the Principal of a school or the Sub County Director of Education for more information.
How can a person register for KCSE examination as a private candidate?
During registration period, private candidates are expected to report to the Subcounty Director of Education to register for KCSE examinations after paying the requisite fees.
For Foreign Examinations, they are expected to report to KNEC premises in South C Foreign Examinations section for registration.
Can a child who is under 18 years register for KCSE examination?
KCSE registration is not linked to age provided the candidate meets registration entry requirements. Regulations are available on http://www.knec.ac.ke
How can a person with foreign qualifications register for KCSE examination?
They should apply to KNEC for equation of the foreign certificate and thereafter sit for a qualifying test one year before registration for KCSE.
Can a repeater in KCSE change the subject they sat the previous year, e.g. History to Geography?
A repeating candidate shall only sit for subject (s) taken in the first attempt.
Can one repeat one subject at KCSE Level?
Any candidate wishing to repeat for less than seven (07) subjects (partial repeaters) will be allowed to do so, regardless of the year they sat their KCSE examination, as long as they are not introducing a subject they did not sit for in the first attempt. This provision is only for candidates with proof of having sat KCSE examination previously. Please note that partial repeating will not alter the mean grade awarded during the first sitting.
What is the procedure for a candidate to do KNEC exams under protest?
The head of institution writes to KNEC through the Sub County Director of Education, and pays the current penalty of Kes. 3,000/- as per the KNEC regulation.
Is a repeater allowed to repeat in a different examination centre from the centre where the candidate did the examination in the first sitting in Teacher’s Examinations?
No, because part of the scores of each subject are from the candidate’s continuous assessment, which can only be provided by the institution (examination centre) where the candidate sat.