As preparations continue for the final Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination under the current system, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced fresh requirements for learners who intend to sit the 2027 KCSE examination but do not possess a Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) certificate or an equivalent qualification.
According to a circular dated June 18, KNEC will administer a KCSE Qualifying Test (QT) in September 2026. The test is intended to assess candidates seeking eligibility to register for the 2027 KCSE examination.
The directive applies to individuals who never sat the KCPE examination and learners who missed the 2023 KCPE examination but were allowed by the Ministry of Education to proceed to secondary school.
The circular was addressed to County Directors of Education, the Directorate of Adult and Continuing Education, Sub-County Directors of Education, and heads of secondary schools.
KNEC stated that all prospective candidates without KCPE certificates or equivalent qualifications must first present their primary school records for validation before being allowed to sit the Qualifying Test.
The examination council has also tasked secondary school heads with ensuring that all Form Three learners in 2026 who do not have KCPE qualifications comply with the new requirements within the specified timelines.
For the validation process, applicants will be required to submit an application letter, report cards, or any other evidence showing they attended primary school. They must also provide proof of payment of a validation fee of Ksh 3,480.
In addition, candidates will pay a registration fee of Ksh 3,000 through the e-Citizen platform, bringing the total cost to Ksh 6,480.
Several documents will be required during registration, including a letter from the learner’s school or the Sub-County Director of Education, an official letter from KNEC where applicable, a soft copy of a passport-size photograph, and a birth certificate or national identity card.All documents must be submitted to the KNEC Archives Division located on the first floor of New Mitihani House in South C, Nairobi.
Candidates who successfully complete the validation process will receive clearance letters allowing them to register for the KCSE Qualifying Test.
KNEC noted that registration for the test is already underway through its online portal and will close on July 30, 2026.
The results of the Qualifying Test will determine whether candidates qualify to register for the 2027 KCSE examination.
The announcement comes as Kenya prepares for the last KCSE examination cycle in 2027 before the country fully transitions to assessments under the Competency Based Assessment Framework, a key part of the ongoing education reforms being implemented through the Competency-Based Education system.
