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The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued important instructions that will impact the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, specifically regarding practical assessments. These directives were communicated through three circulars sent to Sub County Directors of Education, secondary school principals, and teachers involved in exam preparations. The recent changes come in light of the rehearsals conducted on October 17, 2025, despite it being a public holiday.
Key Takeaways
- The KNEC has provided advance instructions for the 2025 KCSE practical examinations.
- Circulars detail strict confidentiality and handling procedures for examination materials.
- Changes include new protocols for the Chemistry practical exam scheduled for November 7, 2025.
- Compact disks are no longer permitted for saving candidates’ files in ICT-based practicals starting from November 2025.
Overview of Circulars Issued
On October 3, 2025, KNEC released the following circulars:
First Circular: KCSE Advance Instructions
Reference: KNEC/CONF/TD/SE/KCSE/PRA/AD.1NST/2025/002
This circular mandates all involved parties to collect sealed envelopes containing essential instructions for examination centers. Centre Managers must handle these materials confidentially and prepare for the acquisition of practical examination materials in a timely manner.
In addition, the guidelines emphasize that the instructions must not be disclosed to candidates or unauthorized personnel, as outlined in the KNEC Manual on the Conduct of National Examinations.
Second Circular: KCSE Chemistry Practical Materials
Reference: KNEC/CONF/TD/SE/KCSE/CHE/PRA/025/003
This circular specifies the administration of the Chemistry practical examination, which will take place on November 7, 2025. KNEC will provide necessary substances for the practical examination, which will be delivered in sealed cartons packed in black polythene bags.
Centre Managers are instructed to open these cartons on November 6, 2025, to ensure that materials are prepared and in the hands of the teachers in charge of the Chemistry practicals.
Third Circular: Changes to ICT Practicals
Reference: KNEC/GEN/TVET AA/FA/ASS/03/2025/002
The KNEC has also announced that the usage of compact disks for saving candidates’ files in ICT practicals has been discontinued effective from the November 2025 examinations. All candidates’ files will need to be uploaded directly to a KNEC portal by the ICT supervisors. In preparation, each examination center must ensure an adequate internet connection and provide a new flash disk with a minimum capacity of 32GB for file transfers.
The Council appreciates the support and cooperation of all involved in the administration of the Business and Technical examinations.
For further details on KCSE preparations and resources, visit Free KCPE Exams and explore additional practice materials for students.
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