KNEC releases the 2026 KPSEA, KCSE, KJSEA registration dates & requirements

The Ministry of Education has released the 2026 national examination registration schedule.

The registration dates released by the ministry are for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

According to the ministry, schools will register KPSEA candidates from Monday, February 16, to March 16, while KCSE registration will run from February 16 to March 31. Registration for KJSEA will begin slightly later, from March 2 to March 31.

The Education Cabinet Secretary, while addressing the press on Friday, February 13, confirmed that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) will commence preparations for the 2026 examination cycle starting Monday, signaling the start of yet another critical academic calendar for learners across the country.

”Schools are expected to upload registration data and complete the registration process within the timelines stipulated. Our officers, including those from KNEC, have been instructed to ensure that the registration process is conducted efficiently and correctly, to avert the risk of any learner being left out,” Ogamba said.

KNEC Chief Executive Officer Dr David Njengere said the council has already begun putting in place key logistical measures to ensure smooth administration of the assessments and examinations.

Among the steps underway is the preparation of online registration portals to facilitate efficient candidate enrolment.

The council is also drafting examination timetables and preparing official circulars to guide schools on the registration process for 2026 candidates.

In addition, KNEC is conducting a needs analysis to identify areas that require improvement based on previous examination cycles.

“We have initiated preparations, including setting up the online registration portals, drafting the examination timetables, preparing circulars to guide the registration of 2026 candidates, conducting a needs analysis to identify areas that require improvement, and developing a platform for the registration of Grade 10 learners,” Njengere said.

Further preparations include setting up a dedicated platform for the registration of Grade 10 learners, marking another milestone in the ongoing implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum.

Meanwhile, KNEC has previously raised concerns over last-minute complaints from parents who only realise, close to the examination period, that their children were never registered as candidates. The council has urged parents to verify their students’ registration details early to avoid unnecessary distress and disruptions.

To address the issue, KNEC announced that it will roll out an SMS verification service in April, enabling parents to confirm whether their children have been successfully registered for the 2026 examinations.

KNEC CEO said in January that the SMS platform will be accessible during the April school holidays, giving parents sufficient time to check the registration status and flag any discrepancies with schools before the examination process advances.

Nonetheless, Ogamba warned on Friday that school heads who enter incorrect student data will face disciplinary action by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Here’s the registration breakdown:

• KPSEA (Grade 6): February 16 – March 16, 2026
• KCSE (Form 4): February 16 – March 31, 2026
• KJSEA (Grade 9): March 2 – March 31, 2026

According to KNEC, Schools are directed to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) will provide online registration portals, and parents will be able to verify their children’s registration status via SMS in April 2026.