The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has officially announced the registration dates and guidelines for the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination. With the registration period set to run from 17th February 2025 to 28th March 2025, students, parents, and school administrators must act swiftly to ensure compliance with the new regulations. This comprehensive guide covers all the essential details you need to know about the 2025 KCSE registration process, including key deadlines, fees, and important changes.
1.0 Registration of Regular Candidates
Heads of institutions are tasked with the responsibility of registering their candidates for the 2025 KCSE examination. The process will be conducted strictly online through the KNEC registration portal, accessible at www.knec-portal.ac.ke. Schools must use their examination centre login credentials to capture the registration details of their candidates.
Key Responsibilities for Heads of Institutions:
- Eligibility of Candidates:
Schools must ensure that all candidates presented for the examination are eligible. Registering “ghost candidates” is considered an examination malpractice and can lead to severe consequences, including the de-registration of the school as a KNEC examination centre. - Subject Entry Requirements:
Candidates must adhere to the subject entry requirements for grading, as stipulated in the KNEC Rules and Regulations (2015) and the User Guide for Management of KCSE Examination (2nd Edition 2024). These documents are available for download on the KNEC website. - Passport Size Photographs:
All eligible candidates must upload their correct passport-size photographs (300 x 300 pixels). No changes or replacements will be allowed once the registration period is over. - Accuracy of Registration Data:
Schools must ensure that the registration data for all candidates is accurate. This includes:
- Correct spelling and order of candidates’ names as documented in their KCPE examination certificates.
- Gender, year of birth, citizenship, and entry codes (1st, 2nd, or 3rd attempt).
- Birth Certificate number.
- Subjects registered for.
- Category of special needs and disabilities (where applicable), coded as follows:
- B: Visually impaired candidates who require Braille (totally blind).
- LV: Visually impaired candidates who require Large Print papers (Low Vision).
- D: Candidates with hearing impairment (Deaf).
- P: Candidates with physical impairments.
2.0 Registration of Repeaters and Other Private Candidates
Private candidates, including repeaters, will be registered at Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs) offices. This includes candidates who have previously sat for the KCSE examination and wish to improve their grades.
Key Points for Private Candidates:
- Full and Partial Repeaters:
Candidates may register as full repeaters (registering for seven or more subjects) or partial repeaters (registering for less than seven subjects). Heads of institutions must declare repeaters registering for the KCSE examination in their schools. - Proof of Previous Registration:
Candidates wishing to repeat the examination must provide proof of having registered for the KCSE examination in a previous year, regardless of when they sat the exam. - Examination Centres:
Private candidates will sit their theory and practical papers at their County headquarters in examination centres identified by the County Directors of Education. Projects will be administered at the sub-county level in institutions identified by the respective SCDEs. - Eligibility Proof:
Candidates must provide proof of eligibility, such as a National Identity card, birth certificate, or passport, to gain access to examination centres. - Examination Fees:
The fee for private candidates is Kes. 7,200.00, payable through the E-Citizen platform at the point of registration. Fee payment is mandatory for successful registration.
3.0 Examination Fees
The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Education (MoE), will pay examination fees for all candidates in public and private schools, except for the following categories:
- Re-sitting/Repeating Candidates:
Candidates who are re-sitting or repeating the examination must pay the examination fee of Kes. 7,200.00. - Non-Citizens:
Non-Kenyan candidates are required to pay the examination fee. - Private Candidates:
Private candidates registering in Sub-County Private Examination Centres must also pay the examination fee.
Note: Examination fees must be paid directly to KNEC through the E-Citizen platform.
4.0 Identification of Examination Centres
Schools with fewer than five (5) candidates will not be allowed to register as independent examination centres. Such schools are advised to liaise with their respective Sub-County Directors of Education (SCDEs) to identify an approved KNEC examination centre with more than five (5) candidates for their learners to be registered.
Additionally, examination centres with fewer than thirty (30) candidates will be hosted in examination centres identified by the SCDEs, in line with KNEC guidelines.
5.0 Registration of Candidates with Special Needs and Disabilities
Candidates with special needs and disabilities must be registered under the appropriate category codes (B, LV, D, or P). Schools must ensure that these candidates are provided with the necessary support and accommodations during the examination.
6.0 Registration of Non-Citizens
Non-Kenyan candidates must provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport, during the registration process. They are also required to pay the examination fee of Kes. 7,200.00.
7.0 Access to the KNEC Registration Portal
Heads of institutions will access the KNEC registration portal using their examination centre login credentials. Upon logging in, the system will prompt them to change their password from the default Centre Number to a password of their choice to maintain confidentiality.
Key Points for Portal Access:
- Collection Centres:
Heads of institutions must confirm their Collection Centres (Distribution Centres/containers) with their SCDEs for the administration of the examination. - Registration Documents:
Heads of institutions will be informed when to present registration documents for their centres to their respective SCDEs’ offices. - Mapping of Examination Centres:
All KCSE examination centres must be aligned/mapped to their nearest/most accessible Distribution Centre for ease of collection of examination materials.
8.0 Handling of Registration Data
In line with the Data Protection Act of 2019, heads of institutions must ensure that parents/guardians of KCSE candidates consent to the collection of personal data. The data collected will be solely used for the purpose of conducting the examination, and KNEC will adhere to all data protection regulations.
Key Points for Data Handling:
- Parental Consent:
Parents/guardians must be informed that their child’s data will be collected and used for examination purposes only. - Nominal Rolls:
Candidates will sign the nominal rolls and other accountability documents after confirming the accuracy of their data. - Verification of Documents:
Heads of institutions must present all registration documents for their centres to their respective SCDEs’ offices by 31st March 2025 for verification.
Important Reminders:
- No Late Registration:
There will be no late registration of candidates once the portal is closed. All stakeholders, including parents and candidates, must adhere to the set deadlines. - Examination Fees:
Examination fees must be paid on time to avoid disqualification. - Data Accuracy:
Ensure that all registration data is accurate and complete before submission.
Conclusion
The 2025 KCSE registration process is a critical step for all candidates aiming to sit for the examination. With the registration period running from 17th February 2025 to 28th March 2025, it is essential for schools, candidates, and parents to act promptly and ensure compliance with all KNEC guidelines. By following the outlined steps and adhering to the deadlines, candidates can secure their place in the 2025 KCSE examination and focus on achieving their academic goals.
For more information, visit the official KNEC website at www.knec.ac.ke or contact your respective Sub-County Director of Education.
Dr. David Njengere, MBS
Chief Executive Officer
Kenya National Examinations Council
