Oburu Oginga has encouraged national examination candidates to trust their preparation.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga encourages learners to trust their preparation as more than 3.6 million candidates undertake national examinations and assessments.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga has urged candidates taking the 2026 national exams to remain calm, focused and confident. His encouragement comes as more than 3.6 million learners undertake examinations and assessments across Kenya.
In his message, Oburu reminded learners of the time and effort they had invested in preparation. He therefore encouraged them to trust their hard work and give each paper their best effort.
He also advised candidates to manage their time carefully and read examination instructions before answering questions. However, he cautioned against allowing pressure to undermine their performance.
Oburu encourages learners during 2026 national exams
Oburu thanked parents, teachers and guardians for supporting candidates throughout their academic journey. He also wished success to learners who had completed papers and those still preparing to sit them.
The examination season covers the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and two school assessments. These are the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
Meanwhile, the government has urged parents, teachers and school administrators to support candidates and help prevent disruptions.
Assessment dates and candidate numbers
According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), KPSEA and KJSEA began on Monday, October 26. KPSEA runs until October 28, while KJSEA concludes on October 30.
KCSE oral and practical examinations began on October 19. The main written papers, meanwhile, will run from November 2 to November 20.
KNEC records show 3,634,846 candidates registered across the three examinations and assessments, compared with 3,424,836 in 2025. This represents a 6.13 per cent increase.
The total includes 1,380,463 Grade Six candidates for KPSEA and 1,206,028 Grade Nine learners for KJSEA. Another 1,048,355 candidates registered for KCSE, taking its candidature above one million for the first time.
KJSEA helps determine Grade Nine learners’ placement into senior school pathways under the competency-based education system. KCSE results, meanwhile, contribute to progression into tertiary institutions and other opportunities after secondary school.
KNEC deploys staff and strengthens security
Ahead of the assessments, KNEC conducted rehearsals to explain examination procedures and confirm candidates’ registration details. Learners also received guidance on completing answer sheets, including shading responses on optical mark reader forms.
To oversee the exercise, KNEC deployed more than 340,000 contracted personnel. They include examination centre managers, supervisors, invigilators and other officials.
The council has also strengthened security through smart padlocks on examination storage containers to prevent unauthorised access. Education officials have warned candidates and examination personnel that malpractice could attract penalties under examination regulations.
