2021 KCSE, KCPE exams- Ministry of education issues guidelines (Circular)

The Ministry of Education has issued an important circular on the status of preparation of the 2021 KCPE and KCSE examinations. The Ministry says the tests that will be done in March/ April this year are ready.

According to the latest circular by Education Principal Secretary, Dr. Belio Kipsang, and dated January 21, 2021, there will be no extra-curricular and social activities during the Second/Third Term (National Examination Term).

See details from the circular, below;

RE: PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2021 EXAMINATIONS BY THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL

Further to the ongoing preparations for national examinations, the Ministry in consultation with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and in compliance with the provisions of the Kenya National Examinations Council Act, specifically Legal Notice No. 135 on Conduct of Examination Rules and in line with the Ministry of Health Protocols on Covid-19, is announcing measures meant to improve the administration of this important national exercise and control spread of Covid-19 in schools.

These measures include the reorganization of school term dates, the examinations period, change of examination timetable, ban of social and related activities in schools during national examination term and scrapping of half term breaks during the national examination term.

1. RE-ORGANISATION OF TERM DATES AND MID-TERM BREAKS

Third Term/Second Term (National Examination Term) for all schools (Primary and Secondary) commenced on 4th January, 2021 and ends on 19th March, 2021. Unlike the current practice, there will be no half term break during Second Term/Third Term given the short period and the need to adequately and effectively prepare for the National Examinations.

2. EXAMINATION PERIOD AND TIME TABLE

The Ministry and stakeholders including KNEC have agreed to reorganize the
examinations period and hence released a timetable corresponding to the new
dates.

See also; 2020-2021 KCSE Timetable download (knec revised/final copy)

3. BAN ON SOCIAL ACTIVITIES IN THIRD TERM

To control and ensure effective preparation for the examinations, it has become necessary to control extra-curricular and social activities during the Second/Third Term (National Examination Term).

Like in previous years, there will be no prayer sessions for candidates involving parents and outsiders in schools during the Third Term (National Examination Term).

However, any prayer arrangements as consistent with Covid-19 protocols involving school chaplains and teachers will be allowed. The aim is to avoid unnecessary contacts between candidates/students and outsiders during the exam period/Covid-19 Pandemic period.

4. APPOINTMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITY OF PRINCIPALS AND HEAD TEACHERS

The KNEC will appoint school principals and head teachers to be in charge of their examination centres with the assistance of carefully selected supervisors. Together with Board of Management (BOM) of their schools, these officials will take full responsibility and accountability for any exam malpractices that may be reported in their centres.

KNEC will also identify senior officials and selected teachers to be supervisors and invigilators of the National Examinations.

Also read; KCSE 2020 Knec examiners invitation letters; How to apply online and download your marking letter