KCSE 2026: Over 1 Million Candidates Enter Crucial Second Week as KNEC Releases Examination Schedule

The 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations are entering another important phase as thousands of candidates prepare to sit their second week of written examination papers across the country.

The examinations, administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), have attracted 1,048,355 candidates from different parts of Kenya. This year’s candidature represents an increase compared to the 995,860 candidates who sat the examinations in 2025.

According to the official examination timetable, the second week of written papers begins on Monday, November 9, 2026, with Mathematics Paper 2 scheduled for the morning session.

Candidates will also sit Kiswahili Paper 3, commonly known as Fasihi, in the afternoon.

On Tuesday, November 10, candidates will undertake Religious Education Paper 1, including Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE) and Hindu Religious Education (HRE). Biology Paper 1 will follow in the afternoon.

The examinations will continue on Wednesday, November 11, with Religious Education Paper 2 in the morning before candidates sit History and Government Paper 1 in the afternoon.

On Thursday, November 12, Biology Paper 2 will be administered in the morning, followed by History and Government Paper 2 in the afternoon.

The week’s examinations will conclude on Friday, November 13, with Biology Practical scheduled for the morning session.

Meanwhile, KNEC has maintained strict examination regulations to ensure a fair and credible examination process. Examination officials have been instructed to strengthen security and prevent examination malpractice.

Candidates are prohibited from entering examination rooms with mobile phones, smart devices and unauthorised materials. Examination officials have also been directed to ensure that all candidates follow the official timetable and instructions.

The government has deployed thousands of examination officials and security personnel to oversee the national examinations and protect the integrity of the process.

The 2026 KCSE examination is also significant because it is the second-last examination under Kenya’s 8-4-4 education system before the country completes its transition to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.

As candidates continue with their examinations, parents, teachers and school administrators have been encouraged to provide the necessary support and maintain a peaceful environment.

The national examinations are expected to conclude on November 20, 2026, with Physics Practical marking the final paper.