How to register for KCSE examination

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.