The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), the government body responsible for overseeing national examinations, has released guidelines on the administration of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) July series tests for repeaters.
The exam is the first of its kind to be administered in the country after the Ministry of Education’s approval, shortening the duration which repeaters are required to take KCSE by almost four months from the usual November, as has been the tradition.
Despite a recent court order by Dr Magare Gikenyi challenging its coordination, development, and implementation, we are going to look at everything pertaining to it; from eligibility for registration, requirements, crucial dates and timetable, administration, grading, and more.
What is the KCSE examination for repeaters?
The KCSE examination for repeaters, now commonly known as the “KCSE 2025 July series,” is a set of specialised college/university entry tests recently introduced by KNEC for repeat takers who failed to attain the required minimum entry grade of C+ for direct placement in institutions of higher learning.
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It is designated for full repeaters registering for seven or more subjects and partial repeaters to place them in the correct level of maths, languages, and possibly other subjects that they failed during their time in secondary school.
Candidates who registered for KCSE but were unable to sit the exams due to unforeseen circumstances, such as sickness, are also permitted to take this July series.
Additionally, KNEC has stated that adult learners who are not in regular schools but have proof of completing the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) will be allowed to register for these special tests.
When will it be conducted?
KNEC has set the registration date for the exams to be from January 27 to February 21, 2025, and candidates wishing to register for them have been asked to visit their nearest County headquarters of County Directors of Education (CDEs) within the stipulated period to complete the registration process.
The timetable for the KCSE July series is also out. The exams will be administered within the following dates: high school subjects involving practical projects, such as Art and Design, Agriculture, Woodwork, and Computer Studies, will be conducted between January and July, while those that emphasise theory over practice, such as English and Mathematics, will be held on weekdays from July 1 through to early August.
By offering this exam during a regular school day, KNEC ensures that students do not miss these important college entrance tests.
What are the registration requirements?
All students will receive a message from KNEC with instructions on the scheduling of selected individual tests after all required documents have been submitted. These are:
* Identification documents, i.e. a National ID card for those over 18 years, birth certificate, or passport
* KCPE certificate
* KCSE result slip or certificate for repeaters
* A digital copy of the candidate’s passport-size photograph (300 × 300 pixels)
County Education Officers have been instructed by KNEC to ensure that all eligible candidates download, fill in, and submit the registration form with the correct information and required documents before finalisation, following the stipulated examination guidelines.
How much is KCSE repeat exams in 2025?
Before registering, eligible candidates must pay Ksh7,200, the mandatory fee required for successful registration.
KNEC states:
“The fees payable will be Ksh7,200 and shall be borne by the candidate. The fees shall be paid at the point of registration through E-Citizen, as per the details provided in the KNEC registration platform.”
As we conclude, if you are wondering how the KCSE July series will be graded, KNEC has already dismissed the expectation that the pass rate for repeaters would be considerably lower than for those taking it for the first time. It has affirmed that they will be graded and certified in adherence to the existing regulations for the KCSE examination. This means that it will be done as usual.
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