THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL

USER GUIDE FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE KENYA

CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL EXAMINATION
(KCSE)

2ND EDITION 2024

PREFACE

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) was established to offer examinations
and award certificates to successful School and Post School candidates. In performing its
mandate, KNEC seeks to ensure that all its stakeholders (candidates, heads of institutions,
field officers, parents and other partners) involved in the management and administration
of examinations are well guided and informed.

Subsequently, KNEC developed this Manual to provide an all inclusive point of reference for
management and administration of KCSE examination. The manual provides Centre
Managers, Supervisors, Invigilators and field officers with step-by-step guidelines on all
activities related to the management of the KCSE examination.

The manual covers key aspects of the KCSE examination as at the year of publication and
any reviews to the contents herein shall be communicated through circulars, corrigenda
and/or review of the Manual.

Finally, KNEC will appreciate any comments or feedback that would improve the usefulness
of this manual.

Dr. David Njengere, MBS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, KNEC

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE .................................................................................................................................................... ii
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ................................................................................................. ix
1.0 BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Vision statement ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Mission statement ................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 KNEC Mandate .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 KNEC Core Functions .............................................................................................................. 1
1.5 KNEC Core Values ................................................................................................................... 2
1.6 Strategic Goals ......................................................................................................................... 2
1.7 Agents of KNEC......................................................................................................................... 2
1.8 Overview of the KCSE examination .................................................................................. 3
1.9 Key Activities for the KCSE examination ........................................................................ 3
2.0 INSTRUCTONS ON THE REGISTRATION OF EXAMINATION CENTRES;
DISTRIBUTION CENTRES; AND CANDIDATES FOR KCSE EXAMINATION .......... 5
2.1 Registration of examination centres ................................................................................ 5
2.2 Identification and Management of Distribution centres .......................................... 5
2.3 Registration of KCSE examination candidates ............................................................ 11
2.4 Entry qualifications for Private candidates .................................................................. 11
2.5 Requirements for repeaters ............................................................................................ 111
2.6 Candidates with Foreign Qualifications/Certificates ............................................. 122
2.7 Candidates with CPE Certificates .................................................................................... 13
2.8 Subject Entry Requirements............................................................................................ 133
2.9 Uploading of photographs of the Candidates ............................................................. 17
2.10 Registration of Private Candidates ............................................................................... 178
2.11 Handling of Transfer of KCSE Examination Candidates .......................................... 18
2.12 Double Registration of Candidates ................................................................................. 19
2.13 Withdrawal of Candidates from the KCSE Examination ......................................... 19
2.14 Payment related issues in Registration of candidates ............................................ 19
2.15 Penalty on amendment of registration data after closure of ................................ 21

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2.16 Penalty on amendment of registration data after closure of ................................ 21
2.17 Roles of stakeholders in the registration of candidates ....................................... 201
2.18 Uploading of KCSE Advance Instructions For Subjects With ................................ 21
2.19 Return of Registration Material ........................................................................................ 27
2.21 KCSE Qualifying T est ........................................................................................................... 29
3.0 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF KCSE EXAMINATION .............................................. 30
3.1 Deployment of heads of institutions, supervisors, invigilators, ecurity
officers and drivers .................................................................................................................. 30
3.2 Qualification of Centre Managers ....................................................................................... 30
3.3 Qualification of supervisors................................................................................................. 30
3.4 Qualification of Invigilators ................................................................................................ 31
3.5 Deployment of contracted professionals into the cp2 system ............................... 31
3.6 Daily Attendance registers ................................................................................................. 32
3.7 Recruitment of Supervisors and Invigilators ................................................................ 32
3.8 Posting of Supervisors and Invigilators.......................................................................... 36
3.9 Night out allowance for Supervisors and Invigilators ............................................... 36
3.10 Replacement of Supervisors and Invigilators.............................................................. 34
3.11 Payments of Supervisors and Invigilators ..................................................................... 34
3.12 Transport .................................................................................................................................... 38
3.13 Deployment of Security Officers, Drivers, Data Capturers and Clerks ............... 38
3.14 Roles of Supervisors, Invigilators and Field Officers involved in the
administration of the KCSE Examination ...................................................................... 38
4.0 DAILY CONDUCT OF KCSE EXAMINATION ......................................................................... 58
4.1 Identification of Candidates................................................................................................ 58
4.2 Handling of Absent candidates .......................................................................................... 58
4.3 Handling of Special Needs and Hardship Cases .......................................................... 59
4.4 The Role of the Mathematics Teacher ............................................................................ 60
4.5 Examination Stationery for the KCSE examination ................................................... 61
4.6 Categories of Return Envelopes ....................................................................................... 61
4.7 The following papers have special stationery which has been packed as
shown. ....................................................................................................................................... 61

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4.8 Information to Head Teachers, Supervisors and Invigilators on the Answer
Booklets ........................................................................................................................... ……….62
4.9 Use of Calculators and Mathematical Tables............................................................... 63
4.10 Handling Specialized Papers for the KCSE Examination .................................... 63
4.11 Guidelines ON Assessment Of Practicals, Orals And Aurals ............................... 73
4.12 The role of the teacher in charge of Science subjects with a practical
paper in respect of the Advanced Guidelines ......................................................... 77
4.13 The Role of the Supervisor during the Science Practical Examination ......... 78
4.14 Crucial information on the Science Practical Papers for the KCSE
Examination ........................................................................................................................ 78
4.15 Handling of Home Science paper 3 (Foods and Nutrition) 441/3 .................. 79
4.16 The role of the supervisor on the day of the Home Science Practical
paper 441/3 (Food and Nutrition) ............................................................................. 79
4.17 Clothing Construction (441/2) .................................................................................... 78
4.18 The Examination Timetable .......................................................................................... 79
4.19 Return of Candidates Answer Scripts and other Examination Materials
to the Council ..................................................................................................................... 79
4.20 Summary of Materials to be Returned to KNEC .................................................... 80
5.0 GUIDELINES ON RELEASE OF KCSE EXAMINATION RESULTS, GUARDING
AGAINST CHEATING, USE OF MOBILE PHONES AND HANDLING OF QUESTION
PAPERS FOR ABSENT CANDIDATES ...................................................................................... 83
5.1 Release of KCSE examination results ....................................................................... 83
5.2 Examination Results Slips and Printouts................................................................. 84
5.3 Issuance of certificates .................................................................................................. 85
5.4 Guarding against Cheating in Examinations .......................................................... 85
5.5 Role Modelling ................................................................................................................... 87
5.6 Teaching of good values during School Assemblies and Programmes of
Pastoral instruction ......................................................................................................... 87
5.7 Guidance and Counselling ............................................................................................. 87
5.8 Strengthening of Supervision and Invigilation During School Based
Tests ...................................................................................................................................... 88
5.9 Use of Mobile phones and other Electronic Communication Devices
during the Examinations ................................................................................................ 88

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5.10 Examination Malpractice ............................................................................................... 89
5.11 Guidelines On Handling Of Queries ............................................................................ 99
5.12 Charges on Queries after Release of Examination Results ............................... 98
6.0 OTHER SERVICES OFFERED BY KNEC ............................................................................... 99
6.1 Equation of Foreign Certificates..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.2 Verification and confirmation of Examination resultsError! Bookmark not defined.
6.3 Consultancy Services offered by KNEC ...................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
KNEC CONTACTS ......................................................................................................................... 104

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LIST OF FIGURES PAGE
Figure 1: Steps to follow - 25

Figure 2: KCSE Examination Registration Log in Page - 26

Figure 3: Adding a Candidate into the KCSE Examination Register - 26

Figure 4: Adding a Special Needs Candidate into the KCSE Examination

Register - 27

Figure 5: Editing Data on an Existing Candidate into the KCSE

Examination Register - 27

Figure 6: Nominal Roll for the KCSE Examination Register - 28

Figure :7 Recommended Seating Arrangement KCSE KSL 504/1

Receptive Signing skills - 70

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LIST OF TABLES PAGE
Table 1: Key activities for the KCSE Examination -3

Table 2: KCSE Examination Subject Choices - 13

Table 3a: Fees Payment for Repeaters (Institutional

candidates). - 20

Table 3b: Payment for KCSE Examination per Subject(s) for

Re-sitting Candidate - 20

Table 3c: Subjects with a Practical/Project Component - 20

Table 4: Approved Rates of Allowances’ Rates - 37

Table 5: Description of Grading as used in KCSE Examination - 83

Table 6: Summary of Examination Malpractices - 90

Table 7: Sanctions and Penalties for involvement in

Examination Irregularities - 94

Table 8: Types of Queries - 99

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

Act 2012 KNEC Act No. 29 of 2012

ADCC Assistant Deputy County Commissioner
ATS Approved Teacher Status
CDE County Director of Education
CPC County Police Commander
CPE Certificate of Primary Education
DCC Deputy County Commissioner
DICECE District Centers for Early Childhood Education
EACE East Africa Certificate of Education
EMD Education Officer Managing Distribution Center
KCE Kenya Certificate of Education
KCPE Kenya Certificate of Primary Education
KCSE Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
KCSE QT Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Qualifying Test
Kes. Currency Kenya Shillings
KICD Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development
KNEC Kenya National Examinations Council
KSL Kenyan Sign Language
MoE Ministry of Education
OCPD Officer Commanding Police Division
PIN Personal Identification Number
SCAPC Sub County Administration Police
SCDE Sub County Director of Education
SCXO Sub County Examination Officer
SCD-TSC Sub County Director (TSC)
TSC Teachers Service Commissioner

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PART I

1.0 BACKGROUND
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is a State Corporation whose function
is to offer examinations and assessments as stated in the Fourth schedule of the
Constitution of Kenya, 2010. It was established under an Act of Parliament, namely the
Kenya National Examinations Council Act Chapter 225A of 1980. This Act was repealed
by the Kenya National Examinations Council Act No.29 of 2012.

1.1 Vision statement

Quality educational assessment, credible certification.
1.2 Mission statement
Assess learner abilities and certify achievements in conformity with global
standards.

1.3 KNEC Mandate

The mandate of KNEC is outlined in Section 10 of KNEC Act No. 29 of 2012 as to:
1.3.1 set and maintain examinations standards; conduct public academic,
technical and other national examinations within Kenya at basic and
tertiary levels;
1.3.2 award certificates or diplomas to candidates in such examinations;
1.3.3 confirm authenticity of certificates or diplomas issued by the Council upon
request by the government, public institutions, learning institutions,
employers and other interested parties;
1.3.4 undertake research on educational assessment;
1.3.5 advice any public institution on the development and use of any system or
assessment when requested to do so, and in accordance with such terms
and conditions as shall be mutually agreed between the Council and the
public institutions;
1.3.6 promote the international recognition of qualifications conferred by the
Council;
1.3.7 advice the Government on any policy decision that is relevant to, or has
implications on the functions of the Council or the administration of
examinations in Kenya;
1.3.8 do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of the preceding
functions.
1.4 KNEC Core Functions
The core functions of the Council are to:
1.4.1 develop examination policies, procedures and regulations;
1.4.2 develop national examinations;
1.4.3 register candidates for the KNEC examinations;
1.4.4 conduct examinations and process the results;
1.4.5 award certificates and diplomas to successful candidates;
1.4.6 conduct research on educational assessment;
1.4.7 carry out equation of certificates and diplomas issued by other credible
examining boards;
1.4.8 conduct examinations on behalf of foreign examination boards;
1.4.9 advise the government and general public on matters pertaining to
examinations and certification.

1.5 KNEC Core Values

In its operations, the Council is guided by the following values (with an acronym
PITIA):
1.5.1 Partnerships
1.5.2 Integrity
1.5.3 Teamwork
1.5.4 Innovativeness
1.5.5 Accountability

1.6 Strategic Goals

The Strategic Goals of KNEC are to:
1.6.1 enhance quality in education assessment
1.6.2 improve digital integration.
1.6.3 transform research, innovation, and knowledge management.
1.6.4 strengthen resource capacity and strategic partnerships
1.6.5 improve governance, communication and culture.

1.7 Agents of KNEC

The following are the agents that assist KNEC to discharge its core mandate:
1.7.1 County Commissioners;
1.7.2 Sub–County Commissioners;
1.7.3 Assistant Sub –County Commissioners;
1.7.4 Regional Directors of Education;
1.7.5 TSC Regional Directors;
1.7.6 County Directors of Education ;
1.7.7 TSC County Directors;

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1.7.8 Sub–County Directors of Education;
1.7.9 Sub–County Staffing Officers – TSC;
1.7.10 Examination Officers and other officers appointed to manage storage
facilities/distribution points;
1.7.11 Heads of learning Institutions / Centre Managers;
1.7.12 Principals;
1.7.13 Supervisors;
1.7.14 Invigilators;
1.7.15 Security officers involved in management of examination/assessments;
1.7.16 All other officers that may be appointed on agency basis.

1.8 Overview of the KCSE examination

The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination is offered
after a four year cycle of secondary schooling. The examination is normally
offered in November/December each year. It is open to all eligible learners who
meet the requirements for the examination as stipulated by KNEC. Holders of
KCSE certificate may proceed to tertiary institutions to pursue Degree, Diploma,
Craft, Certificate and/or Artisan Courses.
The instructions on registration of candidates for the KCSE examination are to be
applied alongside KCSE Examination Regulations and Syllabuses and other
policy directives that relate to the KCSE examination as may be provided.
1.9 Key Activities for the KCSE examination
Table 1 provides a summary of key activities related to the KCSE examination.

Table 1: Key Activities for the KCSE Examination

Activity
1.9.1 Provision of guidelines on Registration of candidates
1.9.2 Registration of new KNEC examination centres
1.9.3 Online registration of candidates
1.9.4 Uploading of Advance Instructions for subjects with project component
1.9.5 Preparation of KCSE examination feedback report of the previous year
1.9.6 Assessment of candidates with special needs for appropriate action(s)
1.9.7 Identification and deployment of field officers
1.9.8 Uploading of candidates’ scores for subjects with a project component
1.9.9 Briefing and Sensitization of Field Officers and Stakeholders involved in KCSE examination
1.9.10 Training of Examiners
1.9.11 Dispatch and return of examination materials to and from the field
1.9.12 Field administration of the examination
1.9.13 Receipt of answer scripts and projects from field
1.9.14 Release of examination results
1.9.15 Issuance of result slips and certificates
1.9.16 Resolution of queries related to examination results

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PART II
2.0 INSTRUCTIONS ON THE REGISTRATION OF EXAMINATION
CENTRES; DISTRIBUTION CENTRES; AND CANDIDATES FOR
KCSE EXAMINATION

This part gives information applicable to registration of candidates for KCSE

examination, including (i) registration of examination centres, Distribution Centres; and
candidates; (ii) deployment of personnel involved in the conduct of all examinations and
their roles; (iii) and guidelines on the conduct of examinations.

2.1 Registration of examination centres

2.1.1 All new examination centres wishing to register candidates for KCSE
examinations must fulfill the following:
i) Submit a valid registration certificate from the Ministry of
Education;
ii) Complete and submit an Application Form for registration of a new
examinations centre;
iii) Submit a questionnaire duly filled by the Sub-county Director of
Education or the Kenya National Examinations Council after
inspection of the centre. This must be accompanied by a report
giving recommendations on the status of the institution;

2.1.2 Upon approval the centre will be allocated a KNEC examination centre
code and uploaded into KNEC database for the particular examination;
2.1.3 When an examination centre relocates to new premise it is required to
apply to KNEC for re-inspection.
2.1.4 The Kenya National Examinations Council reserves the right to
deregister an examination centre if it is satisfied that the centre does
not comply with the regulations or if the continuation of the institution
as an examination centre would endanger the security of the
examinations. Deregistration may be due to (but not limited to) the
following:
i) Inadequate facilities;
ii) Massive examination malpractice;
iii) Unsuitable location of the institution;
iv) Change of physical location without request for re-registration as
an examination centre

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v) Recommendation for the deregistration of a centre by the
County Director of Education for contravention of the Basic
Education Act.
2.1.5 The Council reserves the right to combine examination centres for
purposes of ease of administration of exminations and for security
reasons.

2.2 Identification and Management of Distribution centres

2.2.1 Distribution Centres are facilities (containers) where KNEC secures and
distributes examination/assessment materials, installed at sub-county
levels. Installation of containers per Sub County may be increased or
decreased upon justification by the KNEC and/or Sub-County Director
of Education.
2.2.2 The containers are installed in the following premises:
i) Deputy County Commissioner’s premise (DCC);
ii) Assistant County Commissioner’s premise (ACC);
iii) Other government installations to be identified, in exceptional
circumstances.
2.2.3 Sub-county Directors of Education for newly created Sub-Counties or
those wishing to have an additional container within an already
existing sub-county are expected to submit the following:
i) Application Letter;
ii) Gazette notice on creation of the new sub county where
applicable;
iii) List of institutions to be served from the distribution centre;
iv) Advice on the location of the container;
v) Proposed routes to be followed during the distribution of the
examination materials;
vi) Distance of the furthest institution from the distribution centre;
vii) Any important information on the nature of terrain of the sub-
county;
2.2.4 Sub-counties that may require allocation of extra Distribution Centres
must write to KNEC giving justification for additional container.
2.2.5 The container is secured by application of double locking system. The
keys are held by the Deputy County Commissioner and the Sub-
County Director of Education or their representatives.
2.2.6 The containers are to be opened at the time stipulated by KNEC to
enable timely delivery of examination papers to examination centres.

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2.2.7 In case of a defect on the container, the Sub-County Director of Education
should immediately report the matter to the Chief Executive Officer,
Kenya National Examinations Council.

2.3 Registration of KCSE examination candidates

2.3.1 The instructions on registration of candidates for the KCSE examinations
are based on the prevailing Regulations and Syllabuses which give
the guidelines and procedures required for the registration of
candidates. The registration process is online.
2.3.2 The dates for registration of candidates for the KCSE examination shall
be communicated through a circular before commencement of the
exercise. The dates must be adhered to since there will be no late
registration of candidates.
2.3.3 All examination centers’ including private candidate(s) centers are
expected to log on to the KNEC website: www.knec-
portal.ac.keregistration platform using their log in credentials and enter
details of the candidates’.
2.3.4 School candidates registered for the KCSE examination must meet the
following minimum requirements:
i) KCPE examination certificate or its equivalent;
ii) Prospective candidates with foreign certificates must seek equation
of their certificates from KNEC one year before the examination.
These candidates must sit and pass the KCSE Qualifying Test where
applicable;
iii) Primary certificate other than KCPE for example CPE, an equation
letter and a result slip from KNEC indicating that they have passed
the KNEC KCSE Qualifying Test;
2.3.5 After all the information for the candidates has been keyed online, heads
of schools MUST re-check the online report thoroughly to ensure
that it is accurate. The head teacher must then download the list of
candidates, sign and stamp on the space provided and indicate all
other details required in the nominal roll after verification.
2.3.6 Registration of private candidates for KCSE examination shall be organized
and carried out by the Sub-County Director of Education.
2.3.7 The minimum candidature that an examination centre is allowed to
present for the examination is fifteen (15) candidates.
2.3.8 Examination centres presenting fewer candidates than the required
minimum should be hosted by other examination centres. Prisons and

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institutions presenting candidates with special needs are exempted from
this regulation.
2.3.9 The Kenya National Examinations Council has categorized the
candidates with special needs as follows:-
i) Visually impaired - low vision and blind candidates;
ii) Hearing impaired candidates;
iii) Physically challenged candidates;
iv) Mentally Challenged;
2.3.10 Information on the above candidates giving details of index number,
subjects registered for and degree of impairment must be captured
during registration.
2.3.11 Depending on the degree of impairment the Council will facilitate the
candidates appropriately upon receipt of supporting evidence from
competent medical authority.
2.3.12 A candidate is considered duly registered upon fulfilling the following:
i) all the registration requirements including the entry requirements
and criteria for the award of the KCSE certificate are met;
ii) Candidate’s details are successfully uploaded. The subjects are
duly selected as per subject cluster as stipulated in the regulations
governing the specific examination;
iii) all candidates’ photographs have been uploaded in the correct
format;
iv) signing of the nominal roll;
v) Payment of fees where applicable;
vi) all the registration documents have been received at the Council
within the stipulated period. Depositing of money in to the KNEC
Bank collection accounts does not mean that a candidate is
automatically registered.

2.3.13 Candidates will be considered registered after fulfilling the following

conditions:
i) all the registration requirements including the entry
requirements and criteria for the award of the KCSE certificate
are met;
ii) signing of the nominal roll;
iii) all the registration documents have been received at the Council
within the stipulated period. Depositing of money in to the
KNEC Bank collection accounts does not mean that a candidate
is automatically registered;

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iv) all candidates’ photographs have been uploaded in the correct
format.
2.3.14 The transfer of candidates from one examination centre to another is only
allowed under the following conditions:
i) Within two (2) months after the deadline of registration of
candidates;
ii) Submission of letters from the heads of institutions releasing and
accepting the candidate;
iii) Transfer fees is currently being charged at Kes.1,000 for KCSE
(overtime this is subject to change without notice).
2.3.15 Errors committed during registration and not indicated in the nominal roll
for correction during the registration period may attract a penalty.
2.3.16 Queries regarding examination results should be submitted to the KNEC
within thirty (30) days of the date of release of examination results. The
queries must be forwarded to the Council by the heads of institutions (for
institutional candidates) and through the Sub-county Director of Education
for private candidates.
2.3.17 Any query received after the lapse of the given grace period will be
processed at a fee to be determined by the KNEC from time to time.
2.3.18 The agents and clients of the Kenya National Examinations Council must
beware of practices that occur during the registration of candidates that
breach the examination rules and regulations leading to the abetting of
examination irregularities. Some of these practices include:
i) Double registration of candidates either in different examination
centres or in the same examination centre is an offence and will
constitute impersonation which is an examination irregularity. Such
candidates will have their results cancelled;
ii) Registration of a candidate using a wrong name or identity is
tantamount to impersonation and is illegal;
iii) Registering of a candidate who has been studying in another school
or tuition venue constitute to abetting impersonation which is an
examination irregularity. Such examination centres will be barred
from subsequent registration of candidates and be deleted from the
data base of examination centres.
iv) Registering a candidate using a false certificate is a criminal offence.
v) Registration of adults in formal schools in order to evade payment of
examination fees.

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2.3.19 Candidates who change their names from the ones on the qualifying
certificate (KCPE or other certificates) without submitting a Kenya Gazette
notice to KNEC will not receive their KCSE examination results. Head
teachers are asked to bring this information to the attention of the
candidates, parents and guardians.
2.3.20 First attempt candidates should be entered under code I, candidates
repeating the entire examination should be entered under code 2 while
partial repeaters will be entered under code 3. Head teachers must
understand the implication of entering first attempt candidates under
code 2. The system will calculate the individual candidate’s fees based on
repeaters fees structure.
2.3.21 KNEC does not allow submission of registration documents through the
Post Office under any circumstances. Any entries received through Post
will be rejected and returned to the sender through the same means. All
registration documents must be submitted to KNEC through the SCDE
offices after registering candidates on-line and downloading the data for
verification by the school/examination centre and candidates.
2.3.22 A candidate’s full index number has eleven digits, i.e.: the county number
(2 digits), the centre number (6 digits) and the individual candidate’s
number (3 digits). For the KCSE examination, the first candidate at an
examination centre should be given the number 001, e.g. centre
24950500, the full index number of the first candidate should be
24950500001. Candidates taking subjects with a project should
maintain the index numbers they have already been allocated for the
project. County Codes (appendix 1)
2.3.23 First attempt candidates and repeaters taking seven (7) subjects and
above should be allocated index numbers starting from 001-499 in an
examination centre. This applies to both school and private candidates.
An example of index number allocation in a school or private candidates
centre is as follows:-

➢ 35610101001-35610101199 (school candidates)

➢ 24950500001-24950500499 (private candidates)

2.3.24 Repeaters taking less than seven (7) subjects (candidates registering
for between one (1) and six (6) subjects) should be allocated index
numbers starting from 801-899. An example of index number for both
school and private candidates taking less than seven (7) subjects is as
follows:

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➢ 35610101801-35610101899 (school candidates)
➢ 24950500801-24950500899 (private candidates);

2.3.25 Candidates registering for the KCSE examination must present

KCPE or qualifying test results certificates to the head teacher
to ascertain their KCPE index numbers. The index number and
year on the qualifying certificate should then be entered into the
appropriate columns during the registration exercise. The system will
automatically search for names used by the candidate during the KCPE
examination and the person registering will pick the names as they are
in the KNEC database;
2.3.26 The names and all registration documents of candidates with foreign
equated certificates should be sent on a separate sheet of paper
showing the year and the country where the examination was taken,
passport number and dates of departure from or entry into Kenya. The
sheet containing this information must be signed by the head
teacher/SCDE/CDE and fully stamped to authenticate the documents.
Copies of letters of equation from KNEC should be attached to these
documents for verification.

2.3.27 The following details should be filled in during registration:

i) Year of Birth
The ‘YEAR OF BIRTH’ of the candidate is auto filled from the
previous KCPE registration details.
ii) Birth Certificate Number
Indicate the individual candidate’s Birth Certificate Number (Entry
Number) in the space provided in the online registration portal.
Copies of birth certificates are not required and should not
be submitted to KNEC.
iii) Entry Attempt Code
The entry attempt code should be indicated in the space provided
in the online registration portal. First attempt candidates should
be entered under code 1. Candidates repeating the entire
examination should be entered under code 2 and partial repeaters
under code 3.
iv) Gender Code
The gender of the candidate is auto filled from the candidates
previous KCPE details.

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v) Citizen Status Grid
Indicate either ‘C’ for citizen or ‘N’ for non-citizen in the space
provided in the online registration portal.
2.3.28 Head teachers are requested to verify the primary school qualification of
all their candidates to ensure authenticity during the registration exercise.
Head teachers are requested to advise candidates to seek confirmation of
examination results for candidates holding KCPE and foreign certificates
which they are in doubt of to avoid using of a fake certificate.

2.4 Entry qualifications for Private candidates

Private candidates should possess:
2.4.1 a valid KCPE examination certificate, EACE, KCE or an equivalent foreign
qualification accompanied by an equation letter from KNEC OR a C.P.E
(Certificate Of Primary Education) certificate and a result slip from KNEC
indicating that they have passed the KCSE Qualifying Test;
2.4.2 a primary school certificate from a foreign examination board, with
equation letter from KNEC and a pass in KCSE Qualifying Test.
2.4.3 evidence of having spent at least 3 years preceding the year of KCSE
registration after sitting the KCPE and other primary examinations;
2.4.4 a national Identity card, passport or an alien identity card is required.
Where this is not possible, the birth certificate and evidence of National
Identity card application (waiting card) will be required;
2.4.5 duly filled private candidates’ registration forms downloaded from the
KNEC website. www.knec-portal.ac.ke
2.4.6 No candidates should deposit examination fees individually into the KNEC
deposit accounts before reporting to the Sub County Director of
Education.

2.5 Requirements for repeaters

There are two categories of repeaters:

2.5.1 Repeaters taking a minimum of seven (07) subjects

Candidates repeating 7 subjects and above may re-sit the KCSE
examination as many times as they wish as long as:
i) they meet the entry requirements irrespective of the year when they
first sat for the KCSE examination;
ii) the subjects they wish to re-sit are being offered in the current
curriculum and examination;
iii) they repeat the subjects taken in the last examination attempt;

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iv) These candidates should be given regular index numbers (001-
499) for school, private and repeating candidates.

2.5.2 Candidates who choose to repeat less than 7 subjects

i) These candidates can sit for a minimum of one (1) subject and a
maximum of six (6) subjects;
ii) The candidates must have sat for the KCSE examination not more
than three years preceding the year of the examination. These
candidates should be given index numbers ending with 801,802 etc
for both School and Private repeaters.
iii) Candidates repeating the KCSE examination must not introduce new
subjects that they did not sit for during the first attempt;
iv) The candidates will get a result slip which will only show subject
grade(s). The subject grade(s) on the result slip will not be used
to alter the mean grade attained in previous examination
sessions;
v) candidates who wish to repeat less than seven subjects will only be
allowed to repeat provided the subject(s) being repeated appear in
their previous certificates.

2.6 Candidates with Foreign Qualifications/Certificates

2.6.1 Candidates holding foreign certificates must apply for equation of their
qualifications/certificates and receive an approved equation letter
allowing them to register for the KCSE examination.
2.6.2 The equation of the foreign qualification must be undertaken one year
before registration of the KCSE examination;
2.6.3 The equation of the foreign certificate will be done by the KNEC at a fee.
For more details on equation of foreign certificates visit the KNEC website
www.knec.ac.ke.
2.6.4 These candidates are also required to sit for the KCSE Qualifying Test
which should be sat for one year before registering for KCSE
examination.
2.6.5 Candidates in this category must submit a result slip from KNEC
indicating that they have passed the KCSE qualifying test and the
equation letter from KNEC before they are registered for the KCSE
examination;

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2.6.6 It is the responsibility of the head teachers and Sub County Education
Officers to ensure that such candidates are registered on-line with the
correct previous examination details;
2.6.7 They must meet the subject entry requirements for award of the KCSE
certificate.

2.7 Candidates with CPE Certificates

2.7.1 This category of candidates must enter for a minimum of 7 and a
maximum of 9 subjects. They must sit for the Qualifying Test one year
before registration of the KNEC examination;
2.7.2 They must produce evidence of having spent at least 3 years preceding
the year of registration for the KCSE examination after sitting the CPE
examination;
2.7.3 They must produce a National identity card, passport or an alien identity
card. Where this is not possible, the birth certificate and evidence of
application for a National Identity card (waiting card) will be required.

2.8 Subject Entry Requirements

Entry requirements remain as usual, it’s only grading criteria that has
changed so no revision.

2.8.1 The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education shall be awarded to all

candidates who fulfill all the requirements for the KCSE examination as
prescribed in the KNEC Regulations and Syllabuses. All candidates except
repeaters MUST sit for a minimum of seven (7) subjects selected from
groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as follows:

Table 2: KCSE Examination Subject Choices

Subject Name Subject Code Number of Options
GROUP I (All Compulsory)
English 101
Kiswahili 102
Mathematics Option “A” 121 (choose one option)
Mathematics Option “B” 122
GROUP II
Biology 231
Physics 232
Chemistry 233
Biology for the Blind 236
General Science 237 (to be taken with 122 )
GROUP III
History & Government 311
Geography 312

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Subject Name Subject Code Number of Options
Christian Religious Ed. 313
Islamic Religious Ed. 314 (choose one option)
Hindu Religious Ed. 315
GROUP IV
Home Science 441
Art & Design 442
Agriculture 443
Woodwork 444
Metal Work 445
Building Construction 446
Power Mechanics 447
Electricity 448
Drawing & Design 449
Aviation Technology 450
Computer Studies 451
GROUP V
French 501
German 502
Arabic 503
Kenyan Sign Language 504
Music 511
Business Studies 565

2.8.2 Sighted Candidates

These candidates may take the following combination of subjects:
Either:
i) All the three subjects from Group 1-(code numbers
101,102 and 121);
ii) at least two subjects from Group 2 (code numbers 231, 232
and 233);
iii) at least one subject from Group 3 (code numbers 311, 312
and 313/314/315);
iv) any other one (1) subject selected from the remaining
subjects from Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5;
v) candidates can sit for a minimum of seven (7) and a
maximum of nine (9) subjects. The extra 1 or 2 subjects can
be selected from Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5;
Or
i) three subjects in Group 1 (code numbers 101,102 and
122);
ii) General Science from Group 2 (code number 237);
iii) At least one subject from Group 3 (code numbers 311,
312 and 313/314/315);
iv) two (2) subjects selected from the remaining subjects from
Groups 3, 4 and 5;

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v) candidates can sit for a minimum of seven (7) and a
maximum of nine (9) subjects. The extra 1 or 2 subjects can
be selected from Groups 3, 4 and 5;

2.8.3 Candidates with Visual impairment (Blind Candidates)

i) Three subjects from Group 1 (code numbers 101, 102 and
121);
ii) Biology for the Blind code number 236 in Group 2
iii) At least one subject from Group 3 (code numbers 311, 312 and
313/314/315);
iv) Any other two subjects selected from the remaining subjects from
Group 3, Home Science only code number 441 from Group 4 and
Group 5;
v) candidates can sit for a maximum of seven (7) to nine (9) subjects.
The extra 1 or 2 subjects can be selected from Groups 3, Home
Science only from Group 4 and Group 5 subjects.

2.8.4 Candidates with Hearing impairments (HI)

Either
i) three subjects from Group 1 (code numbers 101, 102 and 121)
OR English (101), Mathematics Alternative A (121) and
Kenyan Sign Language (504);
ii) at least two subjects from Group 2 (code numbers 231, 232
and 233);
iii) at least one subject from Group 3 (code numbers 311, 312 and
313/314/315);
iv) any other one (1) subject selected from the remaining subjects
from Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5);
v) candidates can sit for a maximum of seven (7) and nine (9)
subjects. The extra 1 or 2 subjects can be selected from Groups 2,
3, 4 and 5.

OR
i) three subjects in Group 1 (code numbers 101,102 and
122) OR English (101), Mathematics Alternative B
(122) and Kenyan Sign Language (504);
ii) General Science from Group 2 (code number 237);
iii) at least one subject from Group 3 (code numbers 311,
312 and 313/314/315);
iv) any two subjects selected from the remaining subjects from
Groups 3, 4 and 5;
v) candidates can sit for a maximum of nine (9) subjects. The
extra 1 or 2 subjects can be selected from Groups 3, 4 and
5.

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vi) Schools wishing to offer Mathematics Alternative “B”
and General Science must get clearance from the
Director of Quality Assurance and Standards Ministry
of Education, Science and Technology. A copy of the
clearance letter must be attached to the registration
documents submitted to KNEC;
vii) English code 101, Kiswahili code 102 and
Mathematics Alternative A code 121 or Alternative B
code 122 remain compulsory for all candidates except
for those with Hearing Impairment who can choose
between Kiswahili code 102 and Kenyan Sign
Language code 504;
viii) Kenyan Sign Language (504) in group V can be taken as an
optional subject by any candidate who has been adequately
prepared and has covered the prescribed syllabus;
ix) Hearing impaired candidates who opt to take both Kiswahili
code 102 and the Kenyan Sign Language code 504 will be
graded using Kiswahili code 102 as their second compulsory
language subject. Those who opt to take the Kenyan Sign
Language 504 and NOT Kiswahili will be graded using
Kenyan Sign language code 504 as their second compulsory
language subject;
x) While making the above choices, the Head teachers, Class
teachers and Career teachers must advise the candidates
appropriately concerning the certificate award criteria.
The subject cluster must be taken into consideration to
ensure that candidates have chosen the correct subjects in
all the required clusters in order to be awarded the KCSE
examination results and certificate.

2.8.5 Entries for Candidates with Special Needs

i) Head teachers and Sub County Directors of Education are advised
to carefully select the category for each individual candidate and
enter the information in the form for candidates with special needs.
ii) This form should be downloaded from the KNEC website and then
completed only after the head teacher has adequate evidence of
the disability of the candidate(s). The form should be submitted
together with registration documents. The entries must be
accompanied by:
(a) a recent and detailed medical report from a recognized
medical doctor/practitioner;
(b) a full size coloured photograph for physical disability cases;
(c) a detailed report from the EARC officer on the ability of the
candidate;

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(d) a detailed report from the head teacher indicating whether
or not the candidates will require any form of assistance
from KNEC during the examinations and details of the
nature of assistance that the candidates may require.
(e) a detailed report from the head teacher on the kind of
assistance given to the candidates during the internal
examinations sessions.

2.8.6 Candidates with Low Vision

Candidates with low vision will require Large Print papers. Centre
Managers and SCDEs should note the following:
i) the large print papers will be available in N18 print only;
ii) the large print papers will be the exact copy of the papers for
sighted candidates. Candidates entered for large print papers
must therefore follow the same regulations and syllabuses
applicable to the sighted candidates.
iii) Large Print Question Papers should not be requested for if not
required.

2.9 Uploading of photographs of the Candidates

All candidates are required to upload coloured passport size photographs on-line
during entry/keying of the candidates’ registration details. The specification of
the photograph is 300 x 300 pixes.
2.9.1 No photographs in electronic form or CD shall be submitted to KNEC for
action during the registration process.
2.9.2 Candidates are reminded that the photographs will appear on the nominal
roll and random sticker and will also be embossed onto the candidates’
certificates. No candidate will be issued with a certificate without a
photograph.
2.9.3 Detailed instructions on submitting photographs electronically to KNEC are
outlined in the Online Registration Manual available on the KNEC website.

2.10 Registration of Private Candidates

2.10.1 Any candidate wishing to register as a private candidate will be required
to report to the Sub County Director of Education for registration. submit
all other registration download the private candidate’s registration form
from the KNEC website (www.knec.ac.ke).
2.10.2 The candidate will fill the private candidates’ form which can be accessed
through the registration portal and provide documents required to
complete the registration process including examination fees.
2.10.3 The registering officers should ensure that each applicant has the original
certificate or result slip and photocopies for certification.

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2.10.4 All subjects offered for the KCSE examination are printed on the private
candidates’ form to enable the candidates select the subjects as per
subject clusters.
2.10.5 Extreme care should be taken in the choice of the optional subjects so as
to meet the grade award criteria.

2.11 Handling of Transfer of KCSE Examination Candidates

2.11.1 Transfer of a candidate from one examination centre to another may be
authorized by the Council on reasons accepted as adequate and on
payment of a transfer fee to be determined. Requests for transfer must
be consented to by both the releasing and receiving head teachers
through their respective Sub County Directors of Education.
2.11.2 Applications for transfer of candidates must reach the Council within two
months after closure of registration. Applications for transfer received
after this period will not be considered.

2.12 Double Registration of Candidates

Candidates uploaded online are not allowed to be registered in two examination
centres. These candidates are considered to have double registered which is an
examination irregularity.

2.13 Withdrawal of Candidates from the KCSE Examination

A candidate who withdraws from the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
examination will not be entitled to a refund of any of the examination fees paid.
neither will the fees paid be transferable to any other candidate.

2.14 Payment related issues in Registration of candidates

2.14.1 The Ministry of Education will remit examination fees for all KCSE
candidates both private and public schools. However the following
candidates will be required to pay examination fees:-
i) KCSE private candidates
ii) KCSE repeaters
iii) KCSE foreign candidates (non citizens)
2.14.2 Examination fees is not refundable or transferable to another candidate
nor to another year.
2.14.3 Any Centre Manager or SCDE/SCXO who embezzles examination fees
will have committed financial fraud and KNEC will not take responsibility.
2.15 Payment of Examination Fees
2.15.1 The Ministry of Education shall remit examination fees for all public and
private schools. All repeaters, private candidates and non-citizens are
expected to pay examination fees through their examination
centers and remit the same to the Sub County Directors of
Education.

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2.15.2 All Examination fees must be paid into the Fees Collection Accounts
in any of the banks listed below:
i) Co-operative Bank;
ii) National Bank of Kenya
iii) Kenya Commercial Bank
iv) Equity Bank
2.15.3 Re-sitting candidates will pay examination as outlined below:
Examination fees payable by the government for first attempt
candidates are as follows:-
i) Basic fees -Kes.2,200.00 per candidate;
ii) Subject fees -Kes.400.00 per subject.
2.15.4 Table 3a gives a breakdown of the fees to be paid by the government
per school candidate for first entry candidates in accordance with the
number of subjects:
Table 3a : Fees Payment by the government for first entry
candidates (Institutional candidates)
Number of Subjects 7 8 9
Total fees in Kes. 5,000 5,400 5,800

2.15.5 Examination fees payable for re- sitting, private and foreign
candidates are as follows:
i) Basic fees: Kes.2,700.00 per candidate;
ii) Subject fees: Kes.400.00 per subject;
2.15.6 The table below indicates what individual repeating candidates will
be required to pay in accordance with the number of subjects entered
for:

Table 3b: Payment for KCSE Examination per Subject(s) for Re-
sitting, private and foreign candidates
Number of Subjects 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Total fees in Kes. 3,100 3,500 3,900 4,300 4,700 5,100 5,500 5,900 6,300
The rates shall be subject to review from time to time.
2.15.7 Candidates who enter for the subjects with a project component will
pay an extra fee of Kes.200.00, while for Practical/Aural/ Oral
component candidates will be required to pay an extra fee of
Kes.500.00 per subject for all categories of candidates. The subjects
are given in Table 3c.

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Table 3c: Subjects with a Practical/Aural/ Oral Component
Subject Subject
i) Home Science (441) ix) Drawing and Design (449)
ii) Art & Design (442) x) Computer Studies (451)
iii) Agriculture (443) xi) French (501)
iv) Woodwork (444) xii) German (502)
v) Metal work (445) xiii) Arabic (503)
vi) Building construction (446) xiv) Kenyan Sign Language (504)
vii) Power Mechanics (447) x) Music (511)
viii) Electricity (448)

2.15.8 Candidates taking Aviation Technology (450) will pay a fee of

Kes.2,500 for the practical paper.
2.15.9 It is the responsibility of the head teacher/SCDE to ensure that the
correct fee is paid promptly by the institution to avoid queries on
remittance of the examination fees.
2.15.10 Fees proforma referenced KNEC/EA/EM/KCSE/REG/FS is provided on
the KNEC Website and should be downloaded and completed by the
Head teacher/SCDE for submission along with the registration
documents. The envelopes containing certified bank deposit slips
should be submitted separately. The total fees shown on the KCSE
fees proforma invoice must be paid in one remittance by schools i.e.
one bank deposit slip to the Secretary, Kenya National Examinations
Council. Cheques or payment in cash will not be accepted. For
fees collection accounts please refer to general information in part 1 of
this manual.
2.15.11 Any candidate who withdraws from an examination will not be
entitled to a refund of the examination fees.
2.16 Penalty on amendment of registration data after closure of
registration period
2.16.1 Since KCSE registration is on-line, the Centre Managers and SCDEs (for
private centres) will be responsible for the accuracy of the registration
data. The Kenya National Examinations Council will not take
responsibility for any mistakes arising from the registration details
submitted by either the head teachers/SCDE/CDEs.
2.16.2 Any amendment requested after closure of the registration period will
attract a penalty to be determined by KNEC from time to time. KNEC
reserves the right to accept or reject a request of amendment(s).

2.17 Roles of stakeholders in the registration of candidates

The following is a summary of the roles of the various stakeholders involved in
the registration of candidates:

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2.17.1 County Directors of Education (CDEs) and Sub County Directors
of Education (SCDEs) are expected to ensure the following:
i) All institutions presenting candidates for the KCSE examination
are approved by the Kenya National Examination Council
after meeting the requirements to be an examination
centre stipulated in part I of this Manual. Only schools and
centres approved by KNEC as KCSE examination centres after
inspection by SCDEs/CDEs are allowed to register
qualified candidates.
ii) Registration for all eligible candidates is undertaken as expected,
accurately and within the set timeframes.
iii) Private candidates remit their examination fees through Sub
County Director of Education office.
iv) All head teachers presenting candidates for the KCSE examination
download and submit hard copies of their on-line registration
data (nominal roll) vetted and signed by the candidates by
the end of the registration period.
v) Maintenance of a checklist of all KCSE School and private
examination centres in the Sub County. This should be submitted
to the Council during submission of registration materials.
vi) Centres hosting private candidates during practical papers have
all the required facilities to host the candidates in the Sub
county.
vii) All eligible candidates are registered by confirming their details
against the respective Form III registers before accepting their
registration documents. The nominal roll duly signed by the
candidates is only submitted ONCE to the Council.
viii) First attempt candidates are entered for a minimum of seven
(7) subjects as per the subject cluster prescribed in the KCSE
Examination Regulations and Syllabuses
ix) Principals submit Declarations that all eligible candidates have
been registered and the correct examination fees has been
deposited in the KNEC KCSE Bank Collection Accounts
where applicable.
2.17.2 The County Directors of Education (CDE), Sub-County Director of
Education (SCDE), Head teachers, parents and other stake holders
must take note that there will be no registration of candidates after
the stipulated registration period.
2.17.3 Centre Managers have the responsibility of accurately registering
eligible candidates’ by ensuring that:
i) the centre is an approved examination centre with the required
facilities and valid registration certificate from the Ministry of
Education;

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ii) all eligible candidates in the centre are registered for the
examination. Candidates must be correctly categorized as first
attempt or repeaters. First time candidates are those who will
have studied continuously during the three years preceding
registration in secondary schools;
iii) subject entry requirements and regulations are met as spelt out
in the relevant KCSE examination regulations and
syllabuses;
iv) all eligible candidates are uploaded in the registration database
and examination fees paid for repeaters, private candidates and
non-citizens;
v) registration details for all candidates are accurately captured.
Please note that the name in the nominal roll for the KCSE
examination must be a replica of name appearing on the
candidates’ qualifying certificate. It is very important that the
correct KCPE examination year or KCSE Qualifying Test and
index number is given for each candidate;
vi) the candidates are entered for the correct subjects (codes) as
given in these instructions under subject entry requirements.
Care must be taken to observe any restrictions or special
requirements that are stated in the KCSE Examination
Regulations and Syllabuses;
vii) candidates have uploaded their coloured passport size
photographs as per the KNEC specification. (See instructions on
uploading of candidates photographs);
viii) all candidates are registered only for the subjects offered in the
school;
ix) Principals /SCDE MUST fill in the details required for on the
return envelope. The ‘Name of School’ must be the same as the
one appearing on the valid Certificate of Registration. This
name will appear on the candidates’ certificates;
x) schools shall download a copy of label for the return envelope
from the KNEC website and paste it on the envelope to be used
to return registration materials;
xi) the head teachers and Sub County Education officers (for
private candidates) will be required to key in the KCPE or
equation details of the candidate for retrieval of the candidate’s
previous details which should be used for the registration;
xii) Sub-county Director of Education of the private centre should verify
the entries by checking the certificate and the identity card to confirm
that it is for the same candidate. If satisfied that all requirements have
been met the candidate’s number and appropriate entry code will be
written in the column marked “for official use” in the entry form and
the amount of examination fees to be paid and sign it. The Sub-county

22
Director of Education will then attach the certified copies of the
certificate or result slip to the form. The candidates will then pay the
relevant examination fees;
xiii) the SCDE of the private centre has collected the registration data for
private candidates and confirmed the fees payment in the KNEC
collection accounts, after which they will upload the data into KCSE
data base;
xiv) the SCDE of the private centre will then download the candidates’
registration data/nominal roll for the candidates to verify and sign the
nominal roll for correctness of their details;
The SCDE submits the downloaded and signed list of private
candidates (nominal roll), certified bank deposit slips along with other
items to KNEC as per the return programme;
xv) The SCDE ensuring that the optional subjects appearing on the private
candidates’ list tally with the private candidates’ nominal rolls for the
Sub-county;
xvi) The SCDE ensuring that the candidates’ photos have been uploaded as
per the index numbers of the candidates and KNEC specifications.
2.18 Uploading of KCSE Advance Instructions for subjects with
Project/Practical Component
2.18.1 The KCSE examination starts with the following subjects with a project
component, 441/3, 442/3, 443/3, 444/2, 445/2, 446/2, 451/3, 501/3,
502/3, 503/3, 504/3, and 511/1 in the month of January, every year. For
some of the subjects with projects there will be two milestones between
January and July every year.
2.18.2 The advance instructions for the subjects will be posted online for the
administration of the project work as per the KCSE examination
timetable;
2.18.3 Sub County Directors of Education (for private candidates) and head
teachers with candidates registered for subjects listed above are required
to log on to the KNEC website: www.knec-portal.ac.ke and click on
projects button to download all the instructions related to the subjects
the candidates are registered for;
2.18.4 The marking schemes for all the subjects shall be uploaded together with
the advance instructions for use in assessing the projects for both
Milestone I and II.
2.18.5 Scores for Projects, Practicals, Orals and Aurals will be submitted online
for candidates registered for 441/3, 442/3, 443/3, 444/2, 445/2, 446/2,
451/3, 501/3, 502/3, 503/3, 504/3, and 511/1.
2.18.6 It is the responsibility of the Sub County Directors of Education and head
teachers to ensure that the candidates’ scores are keyed. Failure to key
the candidates’ scores in the KNEC website shall attract a penalty fee per
candidate.

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Figure 1: Steps to follow in Uploading Candidates’ Details

Figure 2: KCSE Examination Registration Log in Page

24
Figure 3: Adding a Candidate into the KCSE Examination Register

Figure 4: Adding a Special Needs Candidate into the KCSE Examination Register

25
Figure 5: Editing Data on an Existing Candidate into the KCSE Examination Register

Figure 6: Nominal Roll for the KCSE Examination Register

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2.19 Return of Registration Materials
2.19.1 All schools must submit their registration documents through the Sub
County Directors of Education. The registration details for the
candidates must be correctly captured. This information must be
carefully checked and submitted to the Council together with the entry
forms.
2.19.2 To ensure that the registration documents are submitted to KNEC
according to the delivery programme forwarded to all sub-counties. The
following documents are expected to be submitted to KNEC:
i) Signed nominal rolls;
ii) Declaration forms;
iii) Candidates with special needs forms;
iv) Nil return forms;
v) Deposit slips for fees payment for repeaters, non-citizens and
private candidates.

2.20 KCSE Qualifying Test

The KCSE Qualifying Test (QT) is a proficiency test measuring candidate’s ability
to sit for the KCSE examination. The examination is taken in one day during the
month of November during the administration of the KPSEA assessment.

2.20.1 Eligibility
The KCSE Qualifying Test is open to all bona-fide residents of Kenya and
those in the Kenya Missions abroad after making a formal application to
KNEC six months before the year of examination. The persons must
fulfill the following entry requirements as stipulated the regulations:
i) All persons with primary certificate other than KCPE certificate eg
Certificate of Primary Education (CPE).
ii) All persons with a foreign primary certificate received after less
than eight years of primary school education.

2.20.2 Registration of KCSE QT Candidates

i) Registration of candidates is undertaken at the office the
County Director of Education between January and March.
Registration is done online like other KNEC examinations.
ii) The following documents are required for registration of
candidate:-
a) Bank deposit slip of the prescribed examination fees. As
of year 2017 the examination fees is Kes.3,000.00.
b) Certified copy of the CPE certificate
or
c) Certified copy of a foreign certificate of primary school
education and a letter of equation from KNEC

27
recommending the candidate to sit for KCSE Qualifying
Test.
iii) Any further information on registration and conduct of this
examination are those given in Part 1 of this Manual.
2.20.3 Examination KCSE QT shall be offered once a year at the end of the
year.
i) The online administration of the test allows for timely
processing and notification of results.
ii) Once a candidate passes the test, he or she can register for
KCSE for the subsequent year before the registration deadline.

2.20.4 Guidelines on Release of KCSE (QT) Results

The subjects offered for the Qualifying Test shall cover content
from primary school; Form 1 and 2 Secondary school syllabus as
follows:
i) QT 903/1: English
This paper shall comprise 50 objective questions, drawn from the
following areas:
(a) Cloze test - 10 marks
(b) Oral skills - 5 marks
(c) Grammar - 20 marks
(d) Comprehension - 15 marks

The total score in this paper will be 50 marks.

The duration of the paper shall be 2 hours.

ii) QT 903/2: Kiswahili
This paper shall comprise 50 objective questions drawn from the
following areas:
(a) Cloze test- 15 marks
(b) Grammar - 20 marks
(c) Comprehension - 15 marks

The highest score in this paper is 50 marks.

The duration of the paper shall be 2 hours.

iii) QT 904: Mathematics and Science

The paper shall comprise 50 objective questions in two
sections as follows:
(a) Section A: Mathematics
This section shall comprise 20 objective questions.
The highest score in this section shall be 40 marks.
(b) Section B: Science

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This section shall comprise 30 objective questions as
follows:
(i) Chemistry - 10 marks;
(ii) Biology – 25 marks;
(iii) Physics - 50 marks.
The highest score in this section will be 60 marks
The duration of the paper shall be 2 hours and 30 minutes.

2.20.5 General Information

(i) Qualifying Test is a proficiency examination. The pass mark
is 35%.
(ii) KNEC gives a formal statement upon release of the results.
(iii) Result slips for the QT are produced two weeks after the
test.
(iv) Result slips for the QT are produced real time.

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PART III

3.0 CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF KCSE EXAMINATION

This part gives information on field administration, conduct and management of the
KCSE examination.

3.1 Deployment of heads of institutions, supervisors, invigilators, security

officers and drivers
3.1.1 Heads of Institutions (Centre Managers), Supervisors and
Invigilators play critical roles in the conduct of national examinations and
the success of these examinations depends on entrusting this duty to
dedicated teachers of high integrity.
3.1.2 TSC Sub County Directors and Sub County Directors of Education
must read and understand these guidelines in order to understand the
requirements of the personnel they will recruit and deploy to administer
KNEC examinations.
3.1.3 The following are guidelines on deployment of personnel involved in the
administration of KCSE examination, the TSC Sub County Director is
requested to:

i) vet, recruit and deploy into the cp2 system qualified serving
secondary school teachers of high integrity who are employed or
registered by TSC to carry out supervision and invigilation of KCSE
examination;
ii) issue Principals, Supervisors and Invigilators with pockets for badges
and straps.

3.2 Qualification of Centre Managers

3.2.1 Centre Managers are the principals of the examination centre by virtue of
their position as the head of the institution. Centre Managers are
responsible to TSC Sub County Directors and by delegation to the Council,
for the proper conduct of the KCSE examination in their respective
examination centres.
3.2.2 Their qualifications are as follows:-
i) Be the principal of the institution, with a minimum of Diploma in
Education or higher;
ii) persons of high integrity as provided for in chapter 6 of the
constitution and who are employed and registered with TSC;
iii) The TSC Sub County Director will deploy centre managers to
schools with principals who are not registered by TSC.

3.3 Qualification of supervisors

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Supervisors are responsible to TSC Sub County Directors and by delegation to
the Council, for the proper conduct of the KCSE examination in their respective
examination centres. Their qualifications are as follows:-
3.3.1 be serving secondary school teachers employed by TSC or registered
with TSC with a minimum qualification of Diploma in Education or higher,
preferably senior teachers or heads of departments. Teachers not in active
service must not be engaged to undertake supervision and invigilation of
examinations;
3.3.2 public service employees in Job group K and above, and who have
previously served as teachers and have successfully supervised national
examinations in the past;
3.3.3 persons of high integrity as provided for in chapter 6 of the constitution
and who are employed and registered with TSC;
3.3.4 have minimum of three years experience as Invigilators;
3.3.5 have the ability to attend to details.

3.4 Qualification of Invigilators

Invigilators are responsible to the TSC Sub County Directors and by delegation to
the Council under the direction of the Supervisors for the proper conduct of KCSE
examination. Their qualifications are as follows:-
3.4.1 be trained serving secondary school teachers with qualifications of
Diploma in Education or higher and are employed by TSC or registered
with Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Teachers not in active service
must not be engaged to undertake supervision and invigilation of KCSE
examination;
3.4.2 have teaching experience of one year or more;
3.4.3 be persons of high integrity;
3.4.4 Institutions with candidates, who are touch readers (blind),
3.4.5 should at least have one invigilator who is conversant with braille.
3.4.6 Students, secretaries, messengers and/or clerks must not be used
to supervise or invigilate KNEC examinations. In the event that there
are fewer supervisors/invigilators, the TSC Sub County Directors may
request KNEC through writing to be permitted to recruit the available
teachers immediately, giving the details of teachers available for
recruitment .

NB: Supervisors and Invigilators who do not meet the above

qualifications are not legible for any payment.

3.5 Deployment of contracted professionals into the cp2 system

3.5.1 All the contracted professionals are required to register into the cp2
system to enable their deployment online.

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3.5.2 Once deployed the centre managers, supervisors and invigilators will be
required to download and print their appointment letters that are attached
to their badges;
3.5.3 KNEC will provide pockets and straps for inserting the badges.

3.6 Daily Attendance registers

3.6.1 Centre managers will be expected to use the examination centre logging
in credentials to take daily register of self, Supervisors, Invigilators,
Drivers and Security Officers at the examination centres. At the end of
the examination the centre manager will download the attendance register
and Centre Manager, Supervisor, Invigilator(s) and security officers will be
required to sign the attendance register. The centre manager will stamp
and forward the signed attendance register to the SCDE for submission to
KNEC. The attendance register will be used to verify claims of
supervision personnel for purposes of payment.
3.6.2 Duly filled attendance registers must be submitted to KNEC by the
SCDE/SCXO/TSC Sub County Directors not later than one week after
completion of the respective examination.
3.6.3 Any centre manager, Supervisor, Invigilator and Security officer who fails
to sign downloaded online attendance register will not be paid.

3.7 Recruitment of Supervisors and Invigilators

During the recruitment, deployment and/or appointment of Supervisors and
Invigilators the following procedure should be followed:
3.7.1 One Supervisor should be appointed per examination centre with a
minimum of 30 candidates, unless the centre has been approved to
conduct examination in their own centre with less than 30
candidates.
3.7.2 Supervisors and invigilators should not be deployed to centres that they
have vested interest. The supervisors, invigilators and centre managers
will be required to declare interest of the examination centre they are
posted to;
3.7.3 Centre managers will be required to verify supervisors and invigilators
posted in their centres by confirming their details and work station. They
will be requested to take attendance a daily basis;
3.7.4 Both hosted and hosting centres must have their own centre managers.
However, the hosting centre manager will be expected to collect and
return examination materials from the container;
3.7.5 Deputy centre managers for hosting examination centre will be required
to be at examination centre during examination
3.7.6 No supervisor or invigilator will be deployed in a school they have served
in the last two consecutive years;

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3.7.7 KCSE supervisors will be rotated on a weekly basis. The outgoing
supervisor must prepare brief handing over notes for the incoming
supervisor.
3.7.8 in the case of large examination centres with over 200 candidates, a
second Supervisor may be nominated to be in charge of his/her own
rooms and a group of Invigilators;
3.7.9 Invigilators should be deployed on the basis of one (1) Invigilator per
examination room. An ideal examination room should have the capacity to
accommodate twenty (20) candidates at a spacing of 1.22 meters on all
sides. Where a hall is used as an examination room, one Invigilator
should be deployed for up to a maximum of forty (40) candidates. There
should be no over deployment of invigilators in the examination centre,
KNEC will NOT pay over recruited staff;
3.7.10 Supervisors and Invigilators must not be deployed to supervise their own
students and those in affiliated institutions. Swopping of Supervisors and
Invigilators between colleges must not be allowed;
3.7.11 The TSC Sub County Director and Sub County Directors of Education of
the gazetted hardship areas should seek approval for any deployment of
Supervisors, Invigilators, Security, Officers and Drivers that may require
night out allowances to administer an examination.
3.7.12 Two security officers should be deployed in an examination centre,
except in areas prone to security lapses where more security officers can
be deployed with the approval of KNEC. A report giving reasons why more
than two (2) security has been used should be submitted to KNEC at the
end of the exercise.
3.7.13 Four armed security officers should be deployed to guard the container for
the examination materials (two during the day and two at night). The
security officer in charge of the Critical infrastructure protective Unit
(CIPU) will supervise the four (4) security officers in charge of the
container;
3.7.14 The data capturers will assist the supervision personnel and other field
officers in registration and deployment in the cp2 system.
3.7.15 Sub County Directors of Education should submit to KNEC the attendance
registers for all their examination centres and containers when returning
examination materials;
3.7.16 Supervision personnel and field officers who sign attendance register and
their mobile numbers are in line with their money transfer accounts will be
paid.

3.8 Posting of Supervisors and Invigilators

3.8.1 It is important that distances travelled by Supervisors and Invigilators are
minimized to increase efficiency and ensure examinations are conducted
on time. This will help control the expenditure on the conduct of national
examinations.

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3.8.2 Supervisors and Invigilators should be posted within proximity of the
distribution and examination centres and work as commuters.

3.9 Night out allowance for Supervisors and Invigilators

3.9.1 Only under special circumstances will night-out allowance be considered
for gazetted hardship areas provided that:
i) there is a genuine case for deploying a Supervisor/Invigilator away
from his/her working station and who cannot commute on daily
basis;
ii) night-out allowance is confined to examination dates only;
iii) the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) County Directors and TSC
Sub County Directors should scrutinize the claims to ensure that the
information given is accurate, especially with regard to the exact
number of nights the claimant spent out of his/her working station as
well as the actual distance between the working station and the new
station;
3.9.2 In all cases, the TSC County Directors and the TSC Sub County Directors
should seek written authority from KNEC in advance giving
names, reasons, number of nights, distances and expenditure
involved.

3.10 Replacement of Supervisors and Invigilators

3.10.1 If fresh nominations are necessary, TSC Sub County Directors will appoint
and deploy officers who meet the qualifications stipulated in this manual
and forward their details to KNEC for registration.
3.10.2 Any person who does not qualify must not be used as replacements.

3.11 Payments of Supervisors and Invigilators

3.11.1 The Kenya National Examinations Council shall pay all the personnel
involved in the administration of examinations through mobile phones or
any other method that it will deem as efficient and fast. All personnel
involved should therefore ensure .
3.11.2 The Kenya National Examinations Council will validate payment to be
made to supervision and field officers through mobile money transfer
mode to ensure that only intended clients are paid.
3.11.3 Payment for supervision exercise shall be done subject to the following:
i) Duly completed documents, records and reports of supervision
returned to the Council. Honesty in making claims must be
emphasized to all the field personnel;
ii) Provision of correct identification card number and mobile
phone number which is registered by a mobile phone service
provider

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3.11.4 The current allowances as per KNEC approved KNEC rates are as indicated
below:

Table 4: Approved Rates of Allowances’ Rates

Category Supervisor Invigilator Centre Managers Security Driver
Officer
Rate per day Hosting: 550.00
(Kes) 680.00 510.00 470.00 455.00
Hosted: 350.00
These rates are subject to review from time to time.

3.11.5 Except as specified above, KNEC will not pay claims for:
i) night-out;
ii) subsistence;
iii) lunches;
iv) hired vehicles;
v) vehicles belonging to Supervisors used as taxis;
vi) Supervisors and Invigilators who do not qualify.

3.11.6 Supervisors, Invigilators, Drivers and Security Officers who do not

provide correct details. Names submitted to KNEC must match those
registered with mobile service provider.
3.11.7 All Supervisors and Invigilators should also be informed that KNEC will
not pay any allowance to Supervisors/Invigilators who do not sign the
online attendance register.
3.11.8 Any personnel who infringe any of these conditions or the regulations
for the conduct of examinations, or submit false or claims will be
deregistered, reported to their employer and may have criminal
proceedings instituted against them as per the KNEC Act No. 29 of
2012.

3.12 Transport
The Deputy County Commissioner, County Director of Education (CDE) and the
Sub County Director of Education (SCDE) will be responsible for all
transport arrangements and should note that:-

3.12.1 Government, institutional or school transport should be used for the

transportation of examination materials;
3.12.2 Hired or personal vehicles must not be used.

3.13 Deployment of Security Officers, Drivers, Data Capturers and Clerks

3.13.1 Two (2) security officers will be deployed in an examination centre.
Where the candidature is more than 250, a third security officer will be
engaged.

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3.13.2 Sub Counties that are prone to banditry attacks or are insecure and
require additional security will be required to seek approval a month
before the start of the examinations.
3.13.3 Drivers and Security Officers at the examination centres MUST sign the
downloaded attendance register of the examination centre. Any claims
from personnel who have not signed the attendance register will not
be honoured.
3.13.4 TSC Sub County Director should appoint one of the secretaries in their
office as a data capturer to assist contracted professionals to register
in to the cp2 system and deploy them into the system.
3.13.5 The rate of payment for data capturers for the KCSE examination is
Kes. 1,050.00.
3.13.6 The Sub County Director of Education should appoint one clerk to assist
in handling the examination materials at the container. The clerk will be
paid Kes. 575.00 per day.
NB: The rates are subject to review from time to time.

3.14 Roles of Supervisors, Invigilators and Field Officers involved in the

administration of the KCSE Examination
These are roles to be undertaken by officers involved in the administration of
the KCSE examinations. They should be read carefully by those charged with the
responsibility of the field administration of the examination.

3.14.1 Role of the County Commissioner

The County Commissioner is the overall in charge for the successful

conduct of the examinations in the County. He/she is answerable to the
National Government and in particular to the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of
Interior and National Administration and by delegation to KNEC. He/she is
expected to ensure that the Deputy County Commissioners and the
Assistant County Commissioners perform their roles successfully.

3.14.2 Role of the Deputy County Commissioner and the Assistant

Deputy County Commissioner

The Deputy County Commissioner and Assistant County Commissioner in

liaison with the Sub–County Director of Education are responsible for the
successful conduct of the national examinations in the Sub–County. They
are answerable to the County Commissioner and by delegation to KNEC.
Their role shall include:

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i) receipt of all the boxes containing examinations question papers and
other examination materials delivered at the distribution centre by
KNEC;
ii) vet and confirm that the boxes containing examination materials are
intact and have not been tampered with at the point of receipt and
before they are opened on each examination day;
iii) open and lock the container jointly with the SCDE on daily basis
while ensuring adherence to the double locking and access system;
iv) monitor the security of the question papers and candidates’ answer
scripts stored at the distribution centre throughout the examination
period;
v) ensure that the distribution centre is opened at the time stipulated
by KNEC early enough to enable timely delivery of question papers to
examination centres;
vi) ensure that the distribution centre for the examination materials is
guarded by armed security officers on a twenty four hour (24) basis;
vii) ensure that Education officers and Head of institutions transporting
examination materials are escorted by armed security officers to and
from the examination centres on a daily basis;
viii) ensure deployment of armed security officers to all examination
centres throughout the examination period;
ix) ensure provision of armed security officers to escort answer scripts
to KNEC offices;
x) Liaise with the County government and other government
departments to ensure the Sub–County Director of Education is
provided with adequate and suitable vehicles for use to transport
examination materials.

3.14.3 The Role of the Regional Directors of Education

The Regional Coordinator of Education is the overall in charge for

the successful conduct of the examinations in the region. He/she is
answerable to the Ministry of Education and in particular to the Cabinet
Secretary, Ministry of Education, and by delegation to KNEC. He/she is
expected to ensure that the County and Sub County Directors of
Education perform their roles successfully.

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3.14.4 The Role of the County Director of Education

The County Director of Education is responsible to the Kenya National

Examinations Council for the successful conduct of the examinations in the
County. His/her duties include to:
i) oversee receipt of all the boxes containing examination question
papers and other examination materials delivered at the distribution
centre by KNEC;
ii) liaise with the County Commissioner to ensure security of question
papers at the distribution centre, to the examination centre and
safe return of answer scripts to the distribution centre on daily
basis;
iii) ensure that examination rooms have the required facilities and have
conducive environment for conduct of examinations;
iv) co-ordinate the deployment of education officers to manage
distribution centre and identification of drivers to be engaged in the
transportation of examination materials;
v) oversee and coordinate provision of adequate and suitable vehicles
for use to transport question papers to examination centres and
return of candidates answer scripts to the distribution centres;
vi) oversee the prudent use of the funds allocated for management of
examinations and ensure surrender of imprest as per the
Government policy;
vii) brief education officers, Heads of institutions, officers managing
distribution centre, Supervisors, Invigilators and security officers
jointly with TSC County Director and KNEC officers (where
applicable) on guidelines on conduct of examinations;
viii) monitor the conduct of examination in their respective counties
while ensuring examinations are conducted according to KNEC
rules and regulations;
ix) manage data of Education officers, security officers and drivers
involved in the administration of examinations in the county;
x) oversee the safe return of all candidates’ examination answer
scripts and other related examination documents to KNEC offices.

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3.14.5 The Role of the County Examinations Officer

The County Examinations Officer is directly answerable to the County

Director of Education. He/She assists the CDE for the proper and
successful field administration of examinations in the county.

3.14.6 The Role of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Regional

Directors

The TSC Regional Director is the overall in charge teacher

deployment to supervise and invigilate in the region. He/she is
answerable to the TSC CEO and by delegation to KNEC. He/she is
expected to ensure that the TSC County and Sub County Directors
perform their roles successfully.

3.14.7 The Role of the TSC County Director

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) County Director is responsible to

the Kenya National Examinations Council for the successful conduct of the
examinations in the county. His/her duties include to:

i) ensure that all supervisors and invigilators involved in the

administration of the examinations are employed or registered with
TSC;
ii) oversee deployment of supervisors and invigilators to various
examination centres;
iii) brief Heads of institutions, Supervisors and Invigilators jointly with
the County Director of Education, and KNEC officers (where
applicable) on guidelines on conduct of examinations;
iv) coordinate and ensure that all Heads of Institutions collect question
papers and other examination materials from the distribution centre
and return candidates answer scripts to the distribution centres on
daily basis;
v) ensure discipline of Head of institution Supervisors and Invigilators
deployed to administer examinations;
vi) monitor Head of Institutions, Supervisors and Invigilators during the
conduct of examinations to ensure that the examinations are
administered according to KNEC rules and regulations;

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vii) Oversee submission of payment related queries for Head teacher
Institutions, Supervisors and Invigilators.

3.14.8 The Role of the County Police Commander

The County Police Commandant is the overall in charge security of

examinations in the County. He/she is answerable to the National
Government and in particular to the County Commissioner and by
delegation to KNEC. He/she is expected to ensure that the Sub County
Police commanders (SCPCs) perform their roles successfully. Their roles
include to:
i) oversee security of examination materials at the county during the
administration of all examinations;
ii) ensure all the distribution centre in the county are guarded by armed
security officers on a 24 hour daily basis;
iii) Ensure each examination centre is guarded by armed security officers.

3.14.9 The Role of the Sub-County Director of Education

The Sub-County Director of Education (SCDE) is directly answerable to

the County Director of Education for the proper and successful field
administration of examinations in the Sub-County. His/Her duties include
the following:

i) brief Heads of institutions, education officers, Supervisors,

Invigilators and security officers jointly with TSC Sub–County
Director and KNEC officers (where applicable) on guidelines on
conduct of examinations provided by KNEC;
ii) receipt of the boxes containing question papers and other
examination materials delivered to the distribution centre by KNEC;
iii) ensure that the distribution centre is opened at time stipulated by
KNEC early enough to enable timely delivery of question papers to
examination centres; Each distribution centre serves a small number
of examination centres. The Sub County Director of Education will
inform the Heads of institution of their distribution centres well in
advance of the examination.
iv) jointly open and lock the distribution centre with the DCC on daily
basis while ensuring adherence to the double locking and access
system;

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v) monitor the security of the question papers and candidates’ answer
scripts stored at the distribution centre throughout the examination
period;
vi) vet and confirm that the box number indicated on the box label
corresponds to the dispatch document and the centres listed as
contained in the box;
vii) confirm that the boxes containing examination materials are intact
and have not been tampered with at the point of receipt and before
they are opened on each examination day. The SCDE manning
distribution centers and Heads of institution MUST NOT open any
bag or carton before the scheduled date and time;
viii) vet the Head teachers using the appointment letters before issuing
the examination question paper packets to them;
ix) ensure that the distribution centre and the boxes containing
examination materials are opened in the presence of the head
teachers and security officers escorting examination materials to the
examination centres;
x) ensure that only the boxes with examination papers for the specific
examination day as indicated on the examination timetable are
opened and that question paper packets are issued after
confirmation of the details on the packet;
xi) be in charge of issuing question papers and other examination
stationery to head teachers at the distribution centre. Care must be
taken to ensure that no packets are forgotten in the boxes
and that the Head teachers carry only the packets that are
for their schools;
xii) ensure twenty four (24) hour armed security of question papers at
the distribution Centre;
xiii) liaise with the Sub-County Commissioner for provision of armed
security officers at the examination centres;
xiv) ensure that there are armed security officers to escort the Head
teachers after collection of the question papers and when returning
the candidates answer scripts to the distribution centre;
xv) ensure that examination rooms have the required facilities and a
conducive environment for the conduct of the examinations;
xvi) identify and deploy Education Officers to manage the distribution
centres and issuing of question papers in the Sub – Counties with
more than one distribution centre;

41
xvii) identify and deploy drivers to be involved in the transportation of
question papers to examination centres and return of answer
scripts to the distribution centre;
xviii) liaise with County Director of Education and the Deputy County
Commissioner to ensure availability of adequate and suitable
vehicles for use to transport question papers to examination
centres and return of candidates answer scripts to the distribution
centre;
xix) monitor the conduct of national examinations in the Sub-County
while ensuring examinations are conducted according to the KNEC
rules and regulations;
xx) ensure that the declaration on the empty question paper packets is
duly signed put in cartons and returned to KNEC;
xxi) ensure that all boxes containing candidates scripts/ answer scripts
are sealed at the end of each examination day in the presence
Head teachers and security officers after accounting for all of them
from the examination centre;
xxii) ensure the safe return of all candidates’ answer scripts and other
related examination documents to KNEC offices;
xxiii) manage the data of education officers and security officers involved
in the conduct of examinations in the Sub–County;
xxiv) ensure the declaration on the empty question paper packets is
duly signed and put in cartons and returned to KNEC;
xxv) ensure prudent use of the funds allocated for managing the
examinations and prompt surrender of imprest as per Government
policy;
xxvi) maintain detailed and accurate records of examination question
papers issued, the answer scripts received and any evidence on
examination irregularities at the end of each examination day.

3.14.10 The Role of the Sub County Examinations Officer (SCXO)

i) The Sub County Examinations Officer is directly answerable to the

Sub County Director of Education. He/She assists the SCDE for the
successful field administration of examinations in the Sub-County
ranging from registration of candidates to certification.
ii) In administration of examinations, the Sub County examination
officer can be appointed by Sub County director of education to

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man a container where there are two containers in that Sub
County.
iii) Sub County examination officers can serve as an EMD.
iv) KNEC will not pay sub county examination officers who have not
been assigned duties.

3.14.11 The Role of the TSC Sub-County Director

The TSC Sub-County Director in liaison with the TSC County Director is
responsible to the Kenya National Examinations Council for the successful
conduct of the examination in the Sub-County. His/her duties include to:
i) ensure that all Head of institution collect question papers and other
examination materials and return candidates answer scripts on daily
basis from and to the distribution centre ;
ii) ensure that all Supervisors and Invigilators involved in the
administration of the examinations are registered and employed by
the Teachers Service Commission;
iii) appoint and deploy Supervisors and Invigilators to examination
centres;
iv) brief Heads of institutions, Supervisors and Invigilators jointly with
Sub-County Director of Education and KNEC officers (where
applicable) on guidelines on Conduct of examinations before the
start of each examination;
v) ensure discipline of Head of Institutions, Supervisors and Invigilators
deployed to administer the national examinations. He/she shall be
expected to ensure that Head teachers, Supervisors and Invigilators
conduct examinations according to the guidelines of the Kenya
National Examinations Council;
vi) monitor Head of Institutions, Supervisors and Invigilators during
conduct of the examinations in the Sub-County to ensure that the
examinations are conducted according to KNEC rules and
regulations;
vii) submit payment related queries for Head of Institutions, Supervisors
and Invigilators involved in the conduct of the examinations to
KNEC.

3.14.12 The Role of the Sub County Police Commander

The SCPC is the overall in charge of security of examinations in the Sub
County. He/she is answerable to the County Police Commander (CPC) and

43
by delegation to KNEC. He/she is expected to ensure that all the security
officers deployed at the sub county involved in the field administration of
examinations are briefed and perform their roles successfully. Their roles
include to ensure:
i) the availability of armed security to escort Head teachers from
distribution centre and back.
ii) the distribution centre in the Sub County is guarded by armed
security officers on a 24 hour daily basis;
iii) each examination centre is guarded by armed security officers.

3.14.13 The role of the Education Officer Managing Distribution Centre

(EMD)
The Education officer managing distribution centre is appointed, briefed
and is answerable to the SCDE and by delegation to KNEC. Each
distribution centre should have one EMD. The Sub County Director of
Education will be required to appoint an officer conversant with education
matters from the Ministry of Education to serve as EMDs. The EMD will:
i) assist the SCDE in issuing question papers and other examination
materials at the distribution centre to Head of institutions and
receive candidates’ answer scripts on daily basis;
ii) assist the SCDE and DCC to ascertain that only the boxes with
examination papers for the specific examination day as indicated on
the examination timetable are opened and that question paper
packets are issued after confirmation of the details on the packet.
All boxes containing question papers are clearly dated
and MUST NOT be opened before the date of the
examination;
iii) assist the SCDE to ensure that all return envelopes containing
candidates’ answer scripts are received and properly sealed in the
bags/boxes at the distribution centre at the end of each
examination day;
iv) supervise the sealing of boxes containing answer candidates scripts
at the end of each examination day in the presence of SCDE, DCC,
head of Institutions and security officers after accounting for all the
answer scripts from the examination centre;
v) assist the SCDE and the DCC to hand over the boxes/bags
containing candidates scripts for return to KNEC;

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vi) maintain detailed and accurate records of examination question
papers issued, the answer scripts received and any evidence on
examination irregularities at the end of each examination day.

3.14.14 The Role of Security Officers

Their roles include:
i) oversee the receipt of examination materials from KNEC at the
distribution centre;
ii) provide armed security escort for examination materials while on
transit from KNEC to the distribution centre;
iii) ensure the security of examination materials at KNEC, distribution
and examination centres during the examination period;
iv) witness the opening of the container by the SCDE and DCC and
verify that the bags/boxes containing examination materials are
intact;
v) witness the taking over of the examination papers by the Head of
institution from the distribution centre;
vi) provide armed security escort to the Head of Institutions as they
transport question papers to examination centre and return of
candidates answer scripts/sheets to distribution centre;
vii) witness that question paper packets are intact when being handed
over to the supervisor by the Head of Institutions ; and at the
point of opening before distribution to the candidates by the
Invigilator;
viii) remain within the examination centre to witness the distribution of
question papers and the conduct of the examination in accordance
with the written instructions issued to the Supervisor;
ix) guard the mobile phones kept in a desk placed outside the
examination room and ensure no one access their phone when the
examination is in progress;
x) guard the examination centre until the examination is over and the
answer scripts are returned to the distribution centre;
xi) ensure security is maintained at the examination centre throughout
the examination period;
xii) witness the collection, receipt, counting and sealing of the
candidates’ answer scripts into the return envelope immediately at
the end of each examination session. This must be done in the
examination room in full view of the candidates;

45
xiii) witness the handing over of packets containing candidates’ answer
scripts/sheets by the supervisor to the head teacher sign the
accountability/ tracking form;
xiv) apprehend candidates involved in examination malpractice i.e
impersonators at the end of the examination session and hand
them over to the nearest police station;
xv) witnesses the receipt of packets containing the candidates answer
sheets/scripts by the Education officer managing the distribution
centre at the end of each examination day.

Important Note: Security officers are advised to avoid

interaction with candidates during the examination session
unless necessary.

3.14.15 The Role of Centre Managers

The Head teacher has a personal responsibility to ensure that
examinations in their centre are managed according to the Council laid
down regulations and that no examination irregularities occur. In this
regard, they shall be centre managers and will be required to
perform the following roles related to the administration of the
examination:
i) report to the distribution centre in the Sub– County to collect the
question papers for their centre and return the candidates answer
scripts to the distribution centre on daily basis. Each head of
institution must, in person and NOT by delegation collect the
question papers for the day each morning;
ii) witness the opening of the container by the SCDE and DCC and
verify that the bags/boxes containing examination materials are
intact;
iii) the Education Officer and the head teacher must verify and record
the examination papers issued for each day to ensure that they are
the correct papers for the day as per the timetable. Care must be
taken to ensure that no packets are forgotten in the boxes
and that the Head teachers carry the packets for their
centre;
iv) be present in the examination room on the rehearsal day, She/He
should brief candidates on the rehearsal day in liaison with the
Supervisor. The activities to be carried out on the rehearsal day
include:

46
a) receive supervisor(s) and invigilators allocated to the
examination centre;
b) allocate a room with a lockable cabinet/cupboard to the
Supervisor for distribution of examination materials other
than the question papers during the examination period.
The room should not be accessible to any other person;
c) provide a lockable desk to the supervisor for placing all the
mobile phones of the officers and persons in the
examination centre suring examination session.
d) ensure that examination rooms are located in a conducive
environment, have adequate security, ventilation and
lighting;
e) ensure that examination rooms are free of stimulus
materials, have no writings on the walls, and desks. The
desks should be arranged as per KNEC specifications of
1.22m apart or 4ft on all sides;
f) provide the Supervisor with the materials/equipment
required to administer the examination i.e. wall clock, bell,
stapler, staple pins, chalk and duster;
g) introduce candidates to Supervisor(s) and Invigilators and
brief them on how to conduct themselves during the
examination period;
v) hand over the question papers to the supervisor on arrival at
the school for the administration of the examination in the
presence of the security officer ensuring that the accountability
documents are duly signed;
vi) witness the opening of the question papers at the beginning of
each examination session and the sealing of the return envelopes
containing the candidates’ answer scripts;
vii) release all teachers who have been identified by the TSC County
Director or TSC Sub–County Director, to participate in the
supervision and invigilation of the examination;
viii) ensure that each candidate has a desk to himself/herself with a
label showing his/her name and index number pasted on the desk.
Candidates should not sit opposite each other on the same table
or desk;
ix) receive the candidates answer scripts from the supervisor at the
end of the examination day and return them to the distribution

47
centre. This shall be handed over to the education officer
managing the distribution centre;
viii) ensure cleanliness and proper arrangement of the examination
rooms before handing the rooms over the to the Supervisor on
each day of the examination;
ix) ensure that the staff of the institution do not interact with the
candidates in any way while the examination is in progress;
x) ensure candidates are searched as they enter for every
xi) examination session to confirm that unauthorized materials
xii) are not smuggled into examination rooms;
xiii) inform candidates not to carry any unauthorized materials to the
examination rooms including mobile phones and other electronic
devices;
xiv) identify and ensure that only bona fide candidates are presented to
the Supervisor during examinations to avoid impersonation.
xv) complete the section on declaration by head teachers which is
contained in the Report and Certificate of Supervision.
xvi) remain in their duty stations when the examination is in progress to
ensure the smooth running of the examination;
xvii) fill the Head teachers’ confidential report online and submit a hard
copy of the same to the Sub-County Director of Education for
forwarding to KNEC on the last day of examination in a separate
envelope indicating: absent candidates, paper(s) affected and
reasons why the candidates are absent;
xviii) keep record of:
(a) Supervisors and Invigilators assigned to his/her
examination room;
(b) hosted centres (where applicable);
(c) observed irregularity cases (where applicable);
(d) list of candidate(s) who sat for the examination in other
venues e.g. Hospitals, Prisons and police remand
giving the exact location where they sat for the examination
(where applicable). Please note that candidates are not
allowed to take the examination in dormitories;
xix) virtues such as honesty, hard work and moral rectitude are
inculcated into their students as part and parcel of their character
building in order to resist the tendency to cheat in the
examinations;

48
xx) record daily in the institution’s log book any occurrences related to
examinations including attendance of supervisors and invigilators
and details of the means of transport used;
xxi) maintain discipline in examination centres when the examinations
are in progress;
xxii) download from the KNEC website all relevant documents for use
before and during the conduct of examinations. These include:
(a) timetables;
(b) instructions for summarizing and submission of course work;
(c) project marks;
(d) report and certificate of supervision.

3.14.16 The Role of Supervisor

The Supervisor is responsible to the TSC Sub-County Director and by
delegation to KNEC for the proper conduct of the examinations in their
respective examination centres. He/she must be at the examination
centre by 7.00 a.m on the examination day in order to get adequate
time to inspect the examination rooms and search the candidates
before the start of the examination. The Supervisor is required to carry
out the following duties:

(i) Rehearsal day:

The Supervisor is expected to arrive in the allocated examination
centre by 8.00 a.m. The activities to be carried out on the rehearsal
day include the following:
a) pay a courtesy call to the Head teacher and sign the visitors
book to register arrival in the school;
b) be allocated a room with a lockable cabinet/cupboard for
storage of examination materials other than the question
papers, during the examination period by the Head teacher. No
other person should have access to the room allocated
to the Supervisor;
c) brief Invigilators on what is expected of them during the
examination period;
d) inspect examination rooms to ensure that they are free of
stimulus materials i.e. have no writings on the walls and desks
and have been arranged as per KNEC specification – 1.22m
apart on all sides;

49
e) ensure that each candidate has a desk with a label pasted on it
showing his/her name and index number;
f) ensure that candidates do not sit opposite each other on the
same table or desk during examination;
g) receive from the head of institution all the materials/equipment
required to administer the examination i.e. wall clock(s), bell,
stapler, staple pins, chalk and duster. The clock(s) should be
placed in a conspicuous position in the examination room for
view by all candidates;
h) allocate duties to Invigilators and ensure they identify the
rooms they shall be in charge of;
i) receive and brief candidates on how to conduct themselves
during the examination period;
j) receive the attendance register list and confirm that the
candidates details are accurate and only bonafide candidates
are presented by the Head teacher.

b) Examination day
i) Inspect the examination rooms every day before the
examination starts. This is to ensure that there are no
unauthorized materials in the examination room and/or in the
candidates’ desks such as books, pieces of paper, mobile
phones and other electronic devices. Any charts on the
walls must be removed and any wri on the walls, chalkboards
or desks must be erased/covered;
ii) receive the packets containing the question paper for the day
from the Head teachers and confirm that they are the correct
papers for the day as per the timetable;
iii) supervise the searching of candidates as they enter the
examination rooms for every examination session. Female
pupils must be searched by a female Supervisor
/Invigilator or teacher and male students must be
searched by male Supervisor/Invigilator or teachers.
Candidates who visit the washrooms must be escorted
and searched before re-entering the examination room;
iv) ensure question papers and answer booklets are opened in the
examination room in full view of the candidates and counted to
ensure adequacy before issuing to the Invigilators to distribute
to the candidates;

50
v) return any absentee candidate question paper in the question
paper packet, staple it and keep it on a desk in front of the
candidates. Any spare question papers should not be accessed
by anyone including the invigilator, supervisor etc;
vi) ensure that the school random number is boldly written on
the chalk board and correctly on candidates’ answer scripts;
vii) identify the candidates against the photograph register
downloaded by the Head of institution for use during
examinations.
viii) ensure that the candidates use the index numbers indicated in
the attendance register. There should be no change of
candidates’ index numbers even if a number was omitted
during registration or a candidates is absent;
ix) ensure that candidates details on the answer scripts are as
captured in attendance register. In case of incorrect
information of the candidates details, ensure the correction is
indicated in red ink on the attendance register and the Head
teacher writes a report on the same;
x) ensure that private candidates use their real index numbers
and their answer scripts are packed in the private candidates
return envelope;
xi) ensure that any candidate living with disability (Special Needs)
is catered for as per KNEC regulations and rules;
xii) ensure that the examination starts promptly and lasts for the
period scheduled in the examination timetable. If there is a
variance between the time indicated on the time table and
question paper, then the time indicated on the question
paper should be taken as the correct time;
xiii) ensure that candidates write their answers in black or blue ink
using a pen. Pencils and pens of other colours may be used for
diagrams and maps where required;
xiv) ensure that no unauthorized persons including teachers are
allowed access into examination rooms or to communicate with
candidates while the examination is in progress;
xv) ensure no person including the Supervisor or Invigilator is
allowed to explain the questions or read the candidates
responses;
xvi) ensure that any candidate who is more than half an hour late
is not given a question paper. This rule should however be

51
applied with discretion and in particular to lessen as far as
possible, any hardship caused by this regulation e.g. transport
delay or a misunderstanding. If through late arrival a
candidate loses a substantial amount of time and is
allowed to make up this lost time at the end of the
period allocated to the paper, the matter must be
reported to the Chief Executive Officer, Kenya National
Examinations Council. A written report should be submitted
with the supervision documents at the end of examination
period and a report is written to KNEC if such a case occurs;
xvii) inspect the washrooms before being used by candidates and
monitor candidates who frequently visit the washrooms;
xviii) ensure candidates who may wish to visit the washrooms are
escorted by an invigilator and are searched before they are re-
admitted to the examination room;
xix) prevent the occurrence of examination irregularities in the
examination room and if such cases arise, they should be
handled as stipulated in KNEC regulations;
xx) ensure that the declaration on the envelope containing question
papers is signed by all the persons listed at the time of opening
the question paper packet. The empty packet should be handed
over to the head teacher for submission to the education officer
manning the distribution centre;
xxi) ensure that the scripts control form is only signed by the
candidates who have sat for the examination before the end of
the examination session;
xxii) collect, count, and immediately seal candidates’ answer scripts
and counterfoils in their correct return envelopes for each
subject or category of candidates in the presence of the Head
of institution . The Supervisor must ensure that there are no
answer scripts left behind by physically counting the number of
candidates present for each examination session against the
number of answer scripts collected. The examination paper
packets and candidates answer scripts must be guarded all the
time;
xxiii) receive the question papers with errors or blank pages from
invigilators and make a report on the same in the Report and
Certificate of Supervision and thereafter enclose the same
together with the Report and Certificate of Supervision;

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xxiv) hand over all candidates answer scripts and sheets to the Head
teacher at the end of each examination session for return to the
distribution centre ensuring all accountability documents are
dully filled;
xxv) ensure that all details on the return envelope are accurately
captured;
xxvi) keep an accurate record of work allocated to invigilators on a
daily basis;
xxvii) ensure that all reports of hardship cases which may have
affected the candidates’ work during the examination and
are related to the administration of the examination are
recorded on the “examination Report and Certificate of
Supervision”. A separate elaborate report may be done if
there is need and submitted to the KNEC under a separate
cover marked ‘hardship report’;
xxviii) receive reports on any irregularity from the Invigilators and
make a separate report to KNEC. In the case of cheating or
collusion, the candidate’s name and index number and any
incriminating material seized must be reported and
submitted to KNEC in a separate envelope. The envelope
containing the seized material(s) and irregularity reports should
be handed over to the SCDE at the end of each examination
day who should sign for it and not any other person. In case
there is need to communicate through another channel, an
email can be sent to [email protected] or call KNEC toll free
line provided before start of examinations;
xxix) draw a seating plan of each examination paper and insert
together with candidates answer scripts room, showing the
position of the Invigilator's desk in relation to each candidate
and the distance between the candidates. However a seating
plan for a compulsory paper must be drawn and submitted to
KNEC together with other supervision materials.
xxx) complete the Report and Certificate of Supervision indicating
any hardship or irregularity cases, absentees, extra time
allowed, candidates not appearing on the Nominal Roll,
candidates having used question papers instead of the answer
sheets etc. Where there are no absent candidates, the
Supervisor shall indicate “NIL” for each subject;

53
xxxi) inform the candidates that mobile phones and other electronic
devices are banned from the examination room/centre and any
candidate found in possession of or confirmed to have had
access to them shall have their examination results
cancelled;
xxxii) enclose the Attendance Register and Report and Certificate of
Supervision in the envelope and submit to the centre manager
who in turn will hand it over to the SCDE for return to KNEC. In
case of a hosted centre hosted, a separate certificate must
be completed for each centre.
xxxiii) all answer sheets and scripts for examination centre, hardship
cases or candidates involved in malpractice must be enclosed in
the envelope containing all other candidates’ answer
sheets/scripts. There should be no separate packing of such
candidates’ answer sheets/scripts;
xxxiv) should there be delays in starting the examination due to late
arrival/non arrival or shortage of question papers, the
Supervisor should adhere to the following guidelines:
a) the matter should be notified to the SCDE at once;
b) the SCDE should undertake to resolve the problem
without delay and where necessary contact KNEC;
c) While waiting for the examination to start, candidates
must not have contact with outsiders or candidates
from other institutions or examination centres.
Candidates must be confined to their examination
room(s);
d) the SCDE and the supervisor should submit to KNEC
detailed reports on the incident;

3.14.17 The Role of the Invigilator

The Invigilator shall be responsible to the TSC Sub-County Director,
and work under the direction of the Supervisor when carrying out
invigilation duties. He/she shall carry out the following duties:

a) Rehearsal Day
Report to the assigned examination centre on the rehearsal day by
8.00 am. The activities to be carried out on the rehearsal day
include to:

54
i) pay a courtesy call to the head teacher and sign the visitors
book to register arrival in the school;
ii) attend the briefing of invigilators by the Supervisor on what is
expected of them during the examination period;
iii) ensure that they are allocated duties by the Supervisor and
that they know the rooms and candidates they shall be in
charge of;
iv) stick random index numbers on the candidates’ desks.
CANDIDATES MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO INTERCHANGE
NUMBERS. The candidate’s random index numbers
should remain as printed on the attendance register
and should not be changed whatsoever.

b) Examination Period
The main purpose of invigilation is to prevent cheating. Invigilators
must:
(i) walk up and down the examination room, without disrupting
candidates and be hawk-eyed to ensure that no candidates
exchange notes, look at each other’s work, talk or receive
assistance from a third party;
(ii) inspect examination rooms to ensure that they are free of
stimulus materials, have no writings on the walls, desks and
have been arranged as per KNEC specifications of 1.22m (4ft)
a part on all sides;
(iii) search candidates each time they enter the examination room
to prevent smuggling of unauthorized materials into the
examination room. Female students must be searched by a
female Supervisor/Invigilator or teacher and male students
must be searched by male Supervisor/Invigilator or teacher.
Candidates who visit the washrooms should be searched
before entering the examination room;
(iv) receive the question papers from the Supervisor, check and
confirm they are for the correct paper and count them to
ensure that there are adequate copies for all the candidates
before distributing;
(v) ensure that no unauthorized persons including teachers are
(vi) allowed access into examination rooms or to communicate
with candidates while the examination is in progress. No

55
person including the Supervisor or Invigilator is allowed to
explain the questions or read the candidates responses;
(vii) prevent the occurrence of examination irregularities in the
(viii) examination room and if such cases arise, they should report
to the Supervisor and submit the relevant evidence including
details of the candidate(s) involved. (i.e. Name, Index No.,
Subject Name);
(ix) Ensure the question papers for the following sessions and
answer scripts for the preceding sessions are placed at a
desk in front of the candidates while the examination is in
session;
(x) Verify the candidates’ random index numbers and
(xi) names against the KNEC attendance list;
(xii) Ensure that candidates’ details on the answer scripts are as
captured in attendance register. In case of incorrect
information of the candidates details, ensure the correction
is indicated in red ink and the head teacher writes a report
on the same;
(xiii) Escort candidates who may be allowed to visit the washroom
and search them before they are readmitted to the
examination room;
(xiv) hand over to the Supervisor any question paper with error(s)
or blank pages for further action as prescribed in these
guidelines.
(xv) handle the answer scripts of absent candidates as prescribed
in this Manual
(xvi) ensure that the scripts control form is only signed by the
candidates who have sat for the examination before the end
of the examination session.
(xvii) count the scripts received before allowing the candidates to
leave the examination room to ensure that they tally with
the number of candidates in the examination room. Under
no circumstances should candidates be allowed to leave the
examination room before the end of the period allocated for
a paper;
(xviii) sign the declaration form in the Report and Certificate of
Supervision.

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3.14.18 Role of the Data Capturer
The data capturer shall be responsible to the TSC Sub-County Director
or Sub County Director of Education. Each sub county should recruit
only one data capturer to assist contracted professionals to register
and deploy them into the cp2 system. He/she shall carry out the
following duties:
i) Deploying contracted professionals into the cp2 system
ii) arranging the attendance registers in order of examination centre
codes before onward submission to KNEC;
iii) reporting any missing attendance registers to KNEC;
iv) a data capturer to perform the above roles must be:
a) working in the office of the TSC Sub County Director or the
Sub County Director of Education;
b) computer literate and conversant;

3.14.19 Role of Clerk

Clerks shall be responsible to the Sub County Director of Education.
One clerk should be appointed to serve a distribution centre. He/she
shall carry out the following duties:
i) assisting in handling of bags/boxes/ containing examination
materials at the distribution centre;
ii) perform any other duty related to handling of examinations as
directed by the Sub County Director of Education.

3.14.20 Role of Drivers

Drivers shall be responsible to the Sub-County Director of
Education. One driver should be appointed to serve at least four
examination centres. He/she shall carry out the following duties:
i) transporting examination materials from the distribution centre to
the examination centres every day of examination;
ii) transporting candidates answer scripts from examination centres to
the distribution centre.

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PART IV

4.0 DAILY CONDUCT OF KCSE EXAMINATION

This Part provides guidelines on the day-to-day procedures to be adhered to while
administration of the KCSE examination is being conducted.

4.1 Identification of Candidates

4.1.1 Photographs of all candidates sitting for the KCSE examination have been
captured electronically and a computer generated photographs register
availed for identification of candidates for each examination centre.
Private candidates who are over 18 years are also required to carry their
original national identity card.
4.1.2 The computer generated photograph register has the candidate’s random
index number, name and photograph.
4.1.3 Before the beginning of each paper, the Supervisor, the invigilator(s) or
Education Officer in the case of private candidates, shall verify this
information to ensure that only

4.2 Handling of Absent candidates

4.2.1 All registered candidates who do not present themselves for any or all the
papers must be reported absent by supervisors and invigilators. It should
be clearly indicated whether a candidate is absent in one paper, subject or
more than one paper in a subject or in several subjects that they
registered for.
4.2.2 KCSE absentee candidate’s answer script SHOULD NOT be enclosed in the
return envelope but in the question paper polybag, stapled and returned
to the container.
4.2.3 After the half hour grace period allowed at the beginning of each paper,
enter the index numbers of the candidates who are absent on the answer
scripts return envelope after verifying from the attendance register.
4.2.4 The Supervisor should make note of the absentee’s index number and the
paper missed. This record must be carefully preserved. At the end of
each examination, the record of absentees must be transferred to the
computer printed attendance list. On this printout, the Supervisor will
record by letter ‘A’ above the paper/subject in which acandidate is absent.
If the candidate missed all the papers entered for the examination, the
supervisor will write in BLOCK LETTERS (‘ABSENT’).

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4.2.5 Details of absent candidates should also be recorded by the supervisor in
the Report and Certificate of Supervision. This record must be accurate.
There must be no discrepancy between the record of absenteeism in the
nominal roll (attendance register) and in the Report and Certificate of
Supervision.
4.2.6 In addition to the absent candidates being reported by the supervisor, the
Head of institution is required to verify, confirm the information and
capture the details for the absent candidate in the centre managers
report.

4.2.7 The Centre Managers are expected to upload the details of

absent candidates as per the instructions to be provided by
KNEC.

4.3 Handling of Special Needs and Hardship Cases

4.3.1 Candidates using Braille should be seated in a room of their own with an
Invigilator.
4.3.2 Candidates with Low Vision or Hearing Impairment should be together
with the other candidates. However, the Hearing Impaired candidates
shall be sitting for adapted papers which MUST be given to them.
4.3.3 Supervisors should not allocate extra time to the candidates unless
advised by KNEC in a letter to the supervisor addressing a case of a
particular candidate. The examination for the candidates should be started
at the same time with all the other candidates.
4.3.4 After each examination, the Braille scripts should be collected, counted,
packed separately and handed over to the centre manager who will
forward to the education officer at the distribution centre for safe storage
and eventual transfer to KNEC. Extra care should be taken when handling
the braille answer scripts.
4.3.5 Letters authorizing extra time and assistance where necessary for the
special needs candidates like visual/mentally/physically challenged
candidates shall be issued by KNEC to the supervisor before the start of
the examination. These are the only candidates allowed to be provided
additional time during the examination.
4.3.6 All other candidates who require any special assistance during
examinations and not captured by the school/college should be brought to
the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, KNEC for further guidance and
direction. No other person should make a decision on how to treat
such cases.

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he Role of the Mathematics Teacher
The Mathematics teacher in an examination centre is responsible to the
headteacher and to the TSC Sub County Staffing Officer. His/her duties include:

4.3.7 to ensure that only non-programmable calculators are used during the
approved papers of the KCSE examination where they are required as
per KNEC regulations;
4.3.8 to assist the Supervisor and Invigilator to ensure that the candidates
enter the examination room with calculators that meet the KNEC
specifications;
4.3.9 to ensure that candidates have not scribbled any formula on the cover of
the calculator;
4.3.10 to ensure that no communication device has been inserted in the
calculator;
4.3.11 to ensure the calculators to be used by the candidates do not possess
the following features:
4.3.12 Facility for storage of formulae.
4.3.13 Facility for drawing and storage of graphics.
4.3.14 Dictionary facility.
4.3.15 Algebraic storage facility.
4.3.16 Any other programming facilities.
4.3.17 The calculators can possess the following features

i) Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division keys.

ii) Sine, cosine, tangent and their inverse keys.
iii) Square and square root, cube and cube root keys.
iv) Reciprocal keys.
v) Power and their inverse keys.
vi) Memory M and M+ keys.
vii) Brackets keys.
viii) Pie () key.
ix) Exponential key.
x) Percentage (%), key.
xi) Degree and radian modes.
xii) Simple statistical operations.

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4.4 Examination Stationery for the KCSE examination
4.4.1 Packets of stationery must not be opened by the head teachers before the
start of the examination. General stationery has been packed as follows;-
i) Sheets of A4 plain foolscap paper (all centres)
ii) Return Envelopes
iii) Clear tape (all centres)
iv) Report and Certificate of Supervision (all centres)
v) Return envelopes for candidates living with disabilities (Special needs)
e.g. Braille. Large Print, Hearing Impaired and Kenyan Sign Language.

4.5 Categories of Return Envelopes

4.5.1 Supervisors are advised to note the different colours of return envelopes
(poly bags) will be used for different categories and will be communicated
by KNEC separately.
4.5.2 Answer scripts for regular candidates
4.5.3 Braille
4.5.4 Hardship cases e.g. candidates sitting in hospitals, prisons, security cells
etc.
4.5.5 Confiscated irregularities materials and reports.

4.6 The following papers have special stationery which has been packed as
shown.
i) 442/2 - Art & Design -A2 drawing papers
ii) 450/2 - Aviation Technology - A3 drawing paper- Separate
iii) 451/2 - Computer Studies-6 Headed A4 sheets of plain paper
iv) 511/2 - Music Aural - Booklets with provision for Music
manuscript
v) 444/1 - Woodwork- A3 drawing paper- separate
vi) 445/1 - Metal Work - A3 drawing papers inside
vii) 446/1 - Building Construction - A3 drawing paper inside
viii) 448/1 - Electricity - A4 drawing paper inside
ix) 447/1 - Power Mechanics - A3 drawing paper inside
x) 449/1/2 - Drawing & Design - Booklet with A3 drawing papers
inside
xi) 450/1 - Aviation Technology -Booklet with A4 drawing papers
inside
NOTE: Braille papers shall be supplied for all candidates who
shall require them.

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4.7 Information to Head Teachers, Supervisors and Invigilators on the
Answer Booklets
4.7.1 All candidates are expected to answer on the question paper, except
selected subjects which will be communicated on separate cover.
Candidates MUST NOT write their answers in any other material unless
with authority from KNEC. Under very special circumstances when
answers are written on other materials, a comprehensive report on this
must be written.
4.7.2 During the rehearsal day, the supervisors and the Centre Manager should
ensure that answer booklets and other examination materials are available
and adequate. The Supervisors should:
(xix) Verify that they have all the answer booklets and pieces of
strings (where applicable) that the center requires.
(xx) Ensure they familiarize themselves with different return envelopes
for different categories of candidates, and for different examination
papers.
(xxi) The Supervisor should indicate on the return envelope:
a) Number of scripts enclosed – this is the total number of
scripts of the candidate who sat the examination. Absentee
candidate(s) script should not be counted;
b) Number of candidates on computer list – this is the total
number of candidates on the attendance register.
(xxii) The Supervisor should
a) ensure that all the scripts control forms are dully filled and
enclosed in all the return envelopes. These script control forms
are to contain the index numbers and signatures of all
candidates sitting for the examination;
b) All Scripts must be accompanied by a dully filled scripts
receiving checklist;
c) Project work/marks should been closed in the designated
return envelopes.
4.7.3 KNEC will communicate the subjects that require answer booklet in a
separate circular.
4.7.4 Supervisors and invigilators must ensure that candidates use only the
stationery supplied for the KCSE examination and for the subject/paper for
which the stationery has been printed. No other stationery should be
issued.

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4.7.5 Each KCSE candidate is to be issued with one answer booklet at the start
of the examination session. Candidates should not take any paper either
used or unused out of the examination room.
4.7.6 Graph paper shall be provided as part of the last pages of KCSE answer
booklets where required.

4.8 Use of Calculators and Mathematical Tables

Supervisors must ensure that each candidate has a calculator and the Kenya
National Examinations Council mathematical tables. The tables must be
scrutinized to ensure that they do not contain information other than the printed
data. All information in the KNEC Mathematical tables is for use by the
candidates during the examination. The candidates should therefore have
unrestricted use of the tables. Supervisors should therefore:

4.8.1 ensure candidates use only approved types of calculators (refer to 16.7).
4.8.2 report/indicate the type of calculator (s) i.e. model and make used by the
candidates in the Report and Certificate of Supervision.

4.9 Handling Specialized Papers for the KCSE Examination

4.9.1 For French Paper 1 (501/1) (Listening comprehension, dictation and
composition), the materials shall be in two separate envelopes as follows:
i) 501/1 - Listening Comprehension, Dictation and Composition:

The envelope with the question papers shall be packed in the

carton containing the examination papers as per the timetable.

ii) 501/1 - Listening Comprehension and dictation passage:

Recorded in a Compact Disc (CD) and packed in an envelope with

the school code and examination dates as per the timetable.

On the day of examination

i) The supervisor and the teacher for the French subject should ensure
beforehand that the CD player is in good working condition, and that it
is placed at a suitable position for all the candidates to hear what is
recorded clearly.
ii) The supervisor/invigilator shall adjust the tone and volume of the CD
player so that all candidates are able to hear the recording clearly.

63
iii) If the pre-recorded material ends before the 45 minutes allowed for
the paper, the supervisor should allow the candidates to use the
remaining time to go over their work.
iv) After the listening, comprehension and dictation time of 45 minutes is
over, the Invigilator should announce to the candidates to start the
composition.
v) The teacher for the French subject shall be on standby during the first
45 minutes, but should not remain in the examination room while the
examination is in progress.
vi) Under no circumstances should the subject teacher have access to the
question paper before the examination is over.
vii) Spare question papers should be treated as per clause 8.21 of these
guidelines.
The school shall retain the recorded Compact Disc (CD) after the
French examination paper.

4.9.2 German Paper 1 (502/1) (Listening Comprehension and Composition)

The materials shall be in two separate envelopes as follows:

502/1 - Listening Comprehension and Composition: the envelope

with the question papers is packed in the carton containing
the examination papers as per the timetable.
502/1 - Listening Comprehension.

The passages are recorded in a compact disc and packed in an envelope

with the school code and examination dates as per the timetable.

On the day of examination

i) The supervisor and the teacher for the German subject should
ensure beforehand that the compact disc player is available and is
in a working condition and that it is placed at a suitable position for
all the candidates to hear the recording clearly.
ii) The supervisor/invigilator shall adjust the tone and volume of the
tape/Cassette player so that all candidates are able to hear the
recording properly.
iii) The Listening Comprehension should take 35 minutes.
iv) If the pre-recorded material ends before the approved 35 minutes,
the supervisor/invigilator should allow the candidates to use the
remaining time to go over their work.

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v) After the Listening Comprehension time of 35 minutes is over, the
supervisor/invigilator should then tell the candidates to start the
composition.
vi) The teacher for the German subject shall be on standby during the
first 35 minutes of this paper, but should not remain in the
examination room while the examination is in progress.
vii) Under no circumstances should the teacher for the German subject
have access to the question paper before the examination is over.
viii) The school shall retain the CD after end of the German
examination paper.
4.9.3 Arabic Paper 1 (503/1) (Listening Comprehension, Dictation and
Composition)
The materials shall be in two separate envelopes as follows:

503/1:- Listening Comprehension, Dictation and Composition: the

envelope with the question papers shall be packed in the
cartons containing the examination papers as per the
timetable.

503/1: Listening Comprehension and Dictation passage recorded in a

Compact Disk (CD) and packed in an envelope with the school code
and examination dates as per the timetable.

On the Day of Examination

i) The supervisor and the teacher in charge of Arabic should

ensure beforehand that the CD player is available and is in
good working condition, and that it is placed at a suitable
position for all the candidates to hear the recording clearly.
ii) The supervisor/invigilator shall adjust the tone and volume of
the CD player so that all candidates shall be able to hear the
recording clearly.
iii) If the pre-recorded material ends before the 45 minutes
approved for the exercise, the supervisor/invigilator should
allow the candidates to use the remaining time to go over
their work.
iv) The teacher for the Arabic subject shall be on standby during
the first 45 minutes of this paper, but should not remain in
the examination room while the examination is in progress.

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v) Under no circumstances should the teacher for the Arabic
subject have access to the question paper before the
examination is over. All spare question papers should be given
to the head teacher at the end of the examination paper.
vi) The school shall retain the CD after the Arabic examination
Paper.

4.9.4 Kenyan Sign Language

Paper 1 (504/1)

Kenyan Sign Language Receptive Signing Skills: Guidelines

to Supervisors and Invigilators

i) The KCSE Kenyan Sign Language paper 1 (504/1) is a video

based paper that assesses the candidate’s ability to receive
signed information and respond to questions in writing. This
examination must be administered carefully since once the
DVD containing the examination starts to play, it shall run
with no option of pausing or rewinding. Time for candidates
to answer the questions has been provided for in the
Examination DVD. You are required to watch the sample
DVDs in the schools to familiarize yourself with the nature of
the paper.
ii) Equipment required for the Administration of Examination
iii) A large television set (at least 21” inch-screen to be watched
by 15 candidates at a time)

4.9.5 Examination Administration Procedures

i) Set the DVD player ready for use and ensure all candidates can
see clearly as per the proposed seating arrangement.
ii) Distribute the answer booklets. Allow the candidates to write
their name, index number and sign on the answer booklet
provided.
iii) Play the guidelines DVD to the candidates.
iv) By inserting the Examination DVD into the player, Press
ENTER/PLAY/OK button.
4.9.6 NOTE:
i) Once you press the start button (play/ok), the screen shall show that the
examination shall be starting in the next 45 seconds. It is possible to stop
the DVD player at this stage if the candidates are not ready. This is a

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highly visual examination and walking up and down the room can be
disruptive.
ii) When the examination is over, the words “End of Examination” shall
appear on the screen. Candidates may be allowed to check their own
work at this point.
iii) Collect the answer booklets from the candidates, count, arrange in order
of index numbers and pack in the special return envelope.
iv) Like any other practical examination, the candidates not sitting for the
paper and those who shall have finished sitting for the examination should
be confined in separate rooms. If the centre has more than 40
candidates, arrangements should be made to have more TV sets and DVD
players. KNEC shall provide enough DVDs based on the candidature per
examination room.

4.9.7 Features of the Examination DVD

The following are key features that the supervisors and invigilators must
be aware of:

i) The Flasher- This is a feature that appears on the TV Screen in form of

flashing-lights whenever the candidates’ attention needs to be drawn
to watch the screen. It signals to the candidate the beginning of a
different activity.
ii) The Timer- This is a green and yellow graphic that shows the time
allocated for answering the questions or writing out the
signed sentences and words. It is a countdown feature.

4.9.8 Seating Arrangement

The nature of examination and the shared TV watching calls for the
horse-shoe seating arrangement being used in the administration of
this examination. The examination room should be arranged as per the
seating plan below while observing KNEC specifications on spacing
between candidates.

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Raised TV Set and DVD

Invigilator

Figure 8: Recommended Seating Arrangement KCSE KSL 504/1

Receptive Signing Skills

Note: The arrows indicate the direction the candidates shall be facing
during the examination.

4.9.9 Kenyan Sign Language (504/3)

Practical signing skills -15 minutes per candidate

This paper shall examine the practical/expressive signing skills of the

candidates in Kenyan Sign Language. The papers shall consist of:

i) A compulsory topic given for every candidate to sign about.

ii) A topic and a picture given for the candidate to choose one and
sign about.
4.9.10 Guidelines for Administering Kenyan Sign Language
(504/3) paper
Three examiners shall be sent to each examination room with the
following roles:

i) one examiner to sign out the interview questions:

ii) two examiners score/rate the candidate’s signing skills

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Note that the candidates’ work shall NOT be video-taped for later
marking.

4.9.11 Examination centres should provide four (4) rooms for the
administration of this paper. The rooms are to be used as follows:
i) Room one: This room shall be used for confining candidates who
have not yet sat for the examination:
ii) Room two: This room shall be used as a waiting room by
candidate for 5 minutes before entering the examination room. The
candidate shall sign the joint declaration form and view the
examination materials in this room:
iii) Room three - This room shall be used as the examination room
where the candidate shall be interviewed and rated by the team of
examiners.
iv) Room four- This room shall be used to confine the candidates
who have already been interviewed.
4.9.12 Art and Design Paper 2 (442/2)
i) Printed guidelines for Art and Design paper 2 (Practical) have
been sent to examination centres. Candidates are not allowed
into the examination room with any preparatory, notes,
sketches or reference books.

ii) The question paper 442/2 should be given to the candidates

one hour before the start of the examination to enable them
make sketches on their choices from the alternative given on
plain A4-size. The candidates must be in the examination
room within the one hour and should not interact with the Art
teacher. However, the Art & Design teacher may be required
to give technical assistance through the supervision of
candidates is maintained at all times. The examination is
treated as in progress from the time the candidates enter the
examination room until all scripts are collected. During the
practical examination, candidates may need to move around to
access the materials, tools and equipment placed at a central
place.
iii) At the end of the one hour, issue the candidates with plain
A2-size paper provided by KNEC to start the examination which
will run for three hours as indicated in the rubrics on the
question paper.

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iv) The Art teacher together with the supervisor, should ensure
that the painted work is dry before packing and all the work
including the sketches done on A4 paper is packed flat and
NOT folded or rolled in the envelope provided.
v) Arrangement of the objects/setting of the model by the
Art teacher. If there is a requirement for a setup of
objects/model, it should be in such a way that each candidate
obtains an uninterrupted view.
vi) In case of a large number of candidates, it is recommended
that more than one setup is put in place.
vii) The examination must be held in good light but must be taken
that direct sunlight does not fall upon the objects/model while
work is in progress.
viii) The surface on which the objects/model is arranged/posed
may be below or above the eye level of the candidates,
depending on the guidelines on the question paper.

NOTE: Mounting of the artworks is not part of the examination

requirement. The examination must be done in the paper
provided by KNEC.

4.9.13 Handling of Drawings/Paintings

i) Each candidate must write clearly and correctly his/her centre
number, index number, the alternative and question
number in the space provided.
ii) All drawings/paintings must be packed flat and not rolled.
iii) When drawings are too large to be enclosed in the Return
Envelopes provided, the required information should be given on
the envelopes and the envelope packed in the same parcel with
the drawings/paintings.
4.9.14 Music Aural (511/2) Paper 2 and Music Theory (511/3) Paper
3
i) For paper 511/2, Aural tests for Music recorded in an audio CD-
RW and packed in a security envelope with details of the
school and examination date as per timetable will be provided.
ii) Supervisors for Music papers shall liaise with the Music Subject
Teacher (present in the school on the examination day), or the
Sub County Director of Education (for private candidates)
before the examination day to ensure that a functional

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audio CD player is available for use in playback during the
examination.
iii) The CD shall NOT be accompanied by separate question
papers, as all questions will have been pre-recorded.
iv) Candidates shall be provided with Music Manuscript paper
in a booklet form to be used as the answer sheet. The
recording in the CD shall then be played from the time
indicated on the timetable. This should be played only
once.
v) The CD shall be retained by the school at the end of the Music
511/2 examination.
vi) For paper 511/3, candidates will be allowed to make
reference to the musical score of the prescribed western
music for analysis (for Question 6). The centre manager
should therefore present to the supervisor unmarked copies
of scores of the prescribed western music, one copy per
candidate.
vii) Supervisors should ensure that no additional
documents/material is carried into the examination room.

4.9.15 KCSE Industrial Education Papers (446,447,448 and 450)

Building Construction 446/2
Advance guidelines are in schools the first week of September each
year. The Question Paper should be given to the candidates on the
date of the examination as indicated in the timetable while the
marking schemes shall be given to the subject teachers.
The following subjects have special guidelines which are dispatched
to schools before start of examinations:
i) 447/2 Power Mechanics practical
ii) 448/2 Electricity practical
iii) 450/2 Aviation Technology practical
4.9.16 There shall be question papers and marking schemes for the three papers
i.e. 447/2, 448/2 and 450/2. The papers shall be given to examiners by
the supervisor as per the timetable.
4.9.17 The subject teachers for 447/2, 448/2 and 450/2 are required to be in
their schools a day before the practical to assist the KNEC examiner in
setting up the equipment for the practical.
4.9.18 The examiners in-charge of papers 447/2, 448/2 and 450/2 shall conduct
the examination as per the KNEC guidelines and shall hand over the

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completed work properly sealed to the supervisor who shall record in
the Report and Certificate of Supervision before surrendering the same
to the Education Officer receiving the answer scripts.
4.9.19 For Paper 449/2, candidates should be allowed to study the design
problem presented in the question paper thirty minutes (30 min)
before the start of the examination. The thirty minutes are over and
above the scheduled time reflected both on the timetable and on
the question paper.
4.9.20 Computer Studies 451/2 (Practical)
i) The supervisor shall ensure that the school provides a flash disk of
the type and size described in the section above and in the advance
instructions to school. The supervisor must check to ensure the flash
disk is blank.
ii) The supervisor shall create a folder on the flash disk provided and
name the folder with the school’s 8-digit random number.
iii) After the 2½ hours allowed for the paper, the supervisor shall
transfer each candidate’s folder onto the school’s folder created on
the flash disk and confirm that ALL candidates’ work have been
saved on the flash disk. The computers should then be switched off
except the ones connected to the printer.
iv) Candidates should be called one at a time to print their work from
the folder transferred from their computer and named as the 11-
digit candidate’s random number as already directed above. Each
candidate should be allowed about 10 minutes.
v) There should be NO interaction (talking, passing of papers etc.)
between candidates who are yet to print their work.
vi) After all the candidates have printed their work, the supervisor shall
compress/zip the school folder containing all the candidates’ work.
vii) The Supervisor shall request the Centre Manager to provide the
computer with Internet connectivity (NOTE: This computer should
not be in the computer lab) and login to the KNEC marks upload
portal, i.e. www.knec-portal.ac.ke/project using the school’s
credentials.
viii) The supervisor shall insert the USB flash disk into one of the USB
ports on the computer and click the Upload 451/2 button.
ix) The supervisor shall locate the zipped folder on the flash disk and when
the folder is successfully identified the supervisor shall click Ok to upload
and wait for the system confirmation message File uploaded
successfully.

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x) The supervisor and invigilator(s) should closely supervise the
following:
a. Creating and naming of candidates’ folders on the candidates’
respective machines.
b. Creating and naming the examination centre folder on the flash
disk.
c. transferring the candidates’ work to the examination centre
folder on the flash disk.
xi) The flash shall be placed in the unmarked envelope and
thereafter packed together with the candidates’ printed
work in the return envelope.
xii) Computer Studies teachers and/or the computer laboratory
technician may provide supervised assistance in the event of
technical difficulties with the examination computers, printers,
and/or other devices. Such assistance shall be recorded by the
supervisor in their report on the conduct and administration of the
examination.
xiii) The teacher in charge of Computer Studies or a technician should
not be allowed to come into contact with the candidates while the
examination is in progress unless accompanied by the supervisor or
an invigilator.
4.9.21 The Role of the Supervisor and Invigilator(s) on the day of
the Computer Studies Practical Examination
ii) After the 2½ hours allowed for the paper, the computers
should be switched off except the ones connected to the
printer.
iii) CDs of all the candidates should be collected.
iv) Candidates should be called one at a time to print their work.
Each candidate should be allowed about 10 minutes.
v) There should be NO interaction (talking, passing of papers
etc.) between candidates who are yet to print their work.
vi) The supervisor and invigilator(s) should closely supervise the
printing and collection of printouts and the CDs.
vii) The teacher in charge of Computer Studies or a technician
should not be allowed to come into contact with the
candidates while the examination is in progress unless
accompanied by the supervisor or an invigilator.

4.10 Guidelines on Assessment of Practicals, Orals and Aurals

4.10.1 The Kenya National Examinations Council will appoint and deploy
assessors to schools and Colleges to assess candidates registered

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for subjects with Practical, Orals, Aural components in the
respective examination.
i) The dates for assessment of candidates for each centre will be
drawn by KNEC and dispatched to the centre managers a week
before the exercise. County and sub county time tables for all
the centres presenting candidates the practicals, orals and
aurals shall also be forwarded to the CDEs and SCDEs
respectively for reference during issuance of the assessment
materials.
ii) The Assessors will be briefed and prepared well by KNEC to
carry out these exercises. They will be issued with letters of
appointments and introduction .In addition, they will be issued
with the identity badges to enable the institutions identify them
upon arrival for the exercise.
iii) The information on this part of the Manual is important for Head
Teachers/Principals and Candidates to prepare appropriately for
the assessment exercise.

4.10.2 Information to Head teachers/Principals on Assessment of

Practicals, Orals and Aurals

i) Head teachers/Principals are required to liaise with the TSC SCD for
the appointments of Supervisors who will oversee the assessment of
these examination papers.
ii) The Head Teachers/Principals and Supervisors MUST read and
understand the roles outlined for them in Part I of this manual
before the start of the assessment exercise.
iii) The Assessors and the Supervisors are required to work hand in
hand to ensure candidates for these papers carry out the
assessment comfortably.
iv) Examinations materials for orals, aural, and practical’s papers will be
delivered directly to the Sub County distribution centres.
v) The Head Teachers/Principals will be required to collect question
papers and other materials from the distribution centres on each
day of assessment and he/she should be escorted by two armed
security officers. The examination materials must be handed over to
the Supervisor to carry out the exercise with the Assessor.

74
vi) The Assessor will carry out the assessment of candidates according
to the KNEC rules and regulations stipulated for the assessment of
each examination paper.
vii) At the end of each day, the Assessor will hand over to the
Supervisor the sealed and well labeled envelopes containing the
candidates answer scripts and hard copies of assessment records.
He/She will in turn submit the same to the Head Teachers/Principals
for return to the distribution centre.
viii) On the last day of assessment, the following documents must also
be handed over to the Supervisor in a sealed envelope :
a) Assessors’ badge;
b) Attendance registers.

ix) All schools offering subjects with orals, aurals, practicals and project
component are expected to have a modem for provision of internet
facilities.
x) No invigilator should be deployed to oversee the assessment of
Practicals , Orals and Aurals.

4.11 The role of the teacher in charge of Science subjects with a practical
paper in respect of the Advanced Guidelines

4.11.1 Before the Examination

i) To receive, open and read the KNEC advance guidelines for the
relevant science subject before the day of the examination to enable
them prepare for the practical examinations properly. The guidelines
must be read and left with the Head teacher. No photo copies of
the advanced guidelines should be made.
ii) To liaise with the head of the Institution to ensure that all the
necessary apparatus are available and are in good working condition.
iii) To liaise with the head of the institution to ensure that all chemicals
and specimens required are obtained and ready for use by the
candidates during the examination period.
iv) Except for the Physics practical, there should be enough apparatus
and specimens for all candidates in a shift.
v) Facilities such as sinks, heating points and common reagents should
be provided in sufficient numbers to avoid overcrowding of the
candidates.

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vi) To keep all the information of the guidelines strictly confidential.
Teachers are warned that any unethical practice such as divulging the
contents of the guidelines to candidates in advance, or pre-empting
the examination tasks, if found out, shall lead to disciplinary action for
professional misconduct, and may cause the results of the candidates
to be cancelled.
vii) The teachers for Physics SHOULD NOT write the requirement for
each question on the chalk board.

4.11.2 On the day of the Examination, the subject teacher should:

i) Divide the class into groups in liaison with the supervisor and inform
the candidates the order in which they should go to the laboratories if
they have to take the examinations in shifts. This should be in the
order of candidates’ index numbers.
ii) Check the apparatus to ensure that they are working before a new
group of candidates goes into the laboratories. Candidates must be
left to handle the apparatus independently when the examination is in
progress. The science teacher must not interact with the candidates
when examination is in progress or issue to the candidates any
guidelines related to the experiment he/she has performed.
iii) Ensure the candidates for Physics practical paper (232/3)
dismantle the apparatus and leave them the way they were at the
start of the examination before they move to the next station.
iv) Be in the preparation room while the examination is in progress.
v) Not interact with the candidates thereafter.
vi) Carry out the relevant experiments in the Chemistry practical
paper (233/3) in a concealed room (not in front of candidates)
when the examination is in progress so as to be able to report the
results and any shortcomings in the experiments. This applies to
the Chemistry practical only. The teacher's readings must not
be made available to the candidates as this may lead to
cancellation of candidates’ examination results.

The teachers for Physics and Biology MUST NOT perform any
of the experiments.

4.12 The Role of the Supervisor during the Science Practical Examination
i) To prepare the sitting plan in liaison with the subject teacher for all
session(s) before the examination.

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ii) To confine candidates who have not taken the paper before the respective
shifts and ensure that those who have taken their practical papers do not
mix with those who are yet to take it or make any information that may
have been recorded during the examination available to them.
iii) To ensure that the laboratory assistant(s) DO NOT enter the examination
room when the examination is in progress.
iv) To ensure that neither the science teacher nor the laboratory assistant
communicates information on or mixes with the candidates in the absence
of the invigilator.

4.13 Crucial information on the Science Practical Papers for the KCSE
Examination
i) Some Chemicals for 233/3 - Chemistry shall be supplied by KNEC.
Polythene bags containing chemicals for Chemistry 233/3 should be opened
one day before the date of the examination in the presence of the head
teacher, subject teacher and the invigilator. i.e. open on 23rd November
2016 – Chemistry 233/3.
ii) Certain chemicals/specimens, identified by some letters/numbers, for the
Chemistry Practical paper (233/3) shall be provided in sealed polythene bags
or small carton. They shall be kept in a secure place until they are opened by
the supervisor in the presence of the teacher responsible for the particular
subject and the Head of the Institution.

4.14 Handling of Home Science paper 3 (Foods and Nutrition) 441/3

On the day of the examination

i) The candidates should be divided into groups of a maximum of 10

candidates per group.
ii) During the practical, an assistant should be near the room to run errands
when necessary.
iii) Each candidate must wear a bold label showing his/her full name and
index number.
iv) No one but the teacher examining the practical and the supervisor
should be present in the examination room during the practical session.
v) At the end of each practical session (1¼ hrs.), the teacher and the
remaining candidates should be given adequate time to prepare for the
next session.

4.15 The role of the supervisor on the day of the Home Science
Practical paper 441/3 (Food and Nutrition)

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i) The supervisor should ensure that the candidates are not given
assistance either during the planning session or at the time of
performing the practical examination. However, the candidates are
allowed to carry reference materials such as recipes, text and
exercise books on the planning day.
ii) At the end of the planning session, the supervisor should collect all
the papers, originals and duplicates of recipes, order of work,
order list for food-stuff and equipment.
iii) The supervisor should give the duplicate order list for food-stuff
and equipment to the Home Science teacher to facilitate
compilation of requirements for shopping.
iv) The supervisor should seal the rest of the test and original copy of
the plan in an envelope and hand them over to the head teacher
for safe custody.
v) On the day of the practical examination, the supervisor should collect
the sealed envelope containing the test from the head teacher. He/she
should issue out question papers, the original copies of the recipes,
order of the work, list of food-stuff and equipment to the candidates
and hand over the copies of the same to the Home Science teacher to
facilitate marking.
vi) After every practical session, he/she should collect the marking
schemes from the Home Science teacher and staple them together
with each candidate’s answer scripts, seal the envelope and hand
them over to the head teacher for safe custody until all the candidates
have taken their examination.
vii) At the end of the practical examination, the supervisor should receive
and seal the return envelope(s) containing Marking Schemes, Report
form for the centre, the manual mark sheets, the candidates answer
scripts which include original and duplicate of recipes, order of work
and list of food stuff and equipment copies.
viii) The supervisor should return the sealed envelope(s) to the officer in
charge of examination at the storage facility/collection point. The Sub
county officers shall re-park the sealed return envelopes in the green
bag(s) for handing over to KNEC.

4.16 Clothing Construction (441/2)

i) The candidates shall be provided with printed pattern pieces for use
during the examination. They need not to return the pattern pieces.

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ii) There should be sufficient table space for each candidate to work freely.
At least four sewing machines and two set of pressing equipment should
be provided for every ten candidates.
iii) All sessions should be organised to fit one day only.
iv) The supervisor must not be the Home Science teacher but the home
science teacher must be available in case the supervisor wishes to consult
her/him.
v) Candidates should not trim the raw edges of the fabric with pinking shears
after the test has been completed.
vi) When the test time has expired candidates must stop sewing the fabric.
However, they are allowed to:
vii) Press their work owing to the limited amount of pressing equipment.
viii) Sew labels on a single fabric before placing their work in the envelopes.

4.17 The Examination Timetable

4.17.1 The KCSE examination timetables shall be available on the KNEC
website which schools can download for their use.
4.17.2 The timetable MUST NOT be altered without permission from the Chief
Executive Officer, Kenya National Examinations Council. Where there is a
conflict in timing between the timetable and question paper, the
supervisor must adhere to the timing given on the question paper.
4.17.3 Should there be any clashes on the timetable, the supervisor should
arrange for 3 sessions per day after authorization from KNEC. In such
cases, the supervisor together with the head teacher of the examination
room must arrange for secure segregation of the candidates
affected. A detailed report from both the supervisor and the head
teacher must be submitted to KNEC.

4.18 Return of Candidates Answer Scripts and other Examination Materials

to the Council
4.18.1 KNEC officers will collect candidate’s answer scripts-as they dispatch
examinations materials as per prepared schedule. However KNEC may
call upon the Sub County Director of Education (SCDE) to organize the
return of candidate’s answer scripts to KNEC where need be. in
conformity with the delivery of answer scripts guidelines and programme
that shall be issued under separate cover. The programme of delivery
must be adhered to strictly and any change shall not be acceptable. This
is done to avoid congestion at the point.

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4.18.2 Vehicles delivering scripts and other examination materials should arrive
on time at the KNEC designated premises where materials are to be
received within normal working hours. All scripts must be handed over to
the Council immediately the examination is over.

4.19 Summary of Materials to be Returned to KNEC

The Sub-County Director of Education or his representative is required to submit
the following examination materials to KNEC at the end of the examination
period or as per the instructions given from time to time:
4.19.1 Candidates’ answer sheets/scripts and CDs/Flash disks.
4.19.2 Completed Attendance registers for Candidates, Supervisors,
Invigilators and other accountable tracking documents.
4.19.3 Question papers with errors, missing pages, blank or smudged pages.
4.19.4 Completed Reports and Certificates of Supervision.
4.19.5 Head teacher’s confidential report.
4.19.6 Reports on Irregularities together with any seized material (where
applicable).
4.19.7 Downloaded and signed online attendance registers for the
examination and distribution centres.
4.19.8 All empty question papers packets with the declaration duly signed
and their corresponding cover pages .
4.19.9 The empty cartons/ spare/unused bags, corresponding number of
hooks, used/unused seals, return envelopes and answer booklets.
4.19.10 Allocation of work to invigilators Record Printout.

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PART V

5.0 GUIDELINES ON RELEASE OF KCSE EXAMINATION RESULTS,

GUARDING AGAINST CHEATING, USE OF MOBILE PHONES AND
HANDLING OF QUESTION PAPERS FOR ABSENT CANDIDATES

This Part gives guidelines on release of examination results and maintaining integrity
during administration of the KCSE examination.

5.1 Release of KCSE examination results

5.1.1 Explanatory Notes for Examination Results

The mean grade (which ranges from A to E or 84 to 7) is based on the
candidate’s best performed 7 subjects as per regulations. The
aggregate points (AGPT) indicate the total number of grade points
based on the 7 subjects. The subject results will be indicated by grades
from A to E as follows:-

Table 5: Description of Grading as used in KCSE Examination

Item Numeric Letter KCSE Subject Grade
Aggregate Grade Standard
Letter Numeric
Points Description
Grade Grade
a) 81 – 84 A Very A 12
74 – 80 A- Good A- 11
b) 67 – 73 B+ B+ 10
60 – 66 B Good B 9
53 – 59 B- B- 8
c) 46 – 52 C+ C+ 7
39 – 45 C Average C 6
32 – 38 C- C- 5
d) 25 – 31 D+ D+ 4
18 – 24 D Weak D 3
11 – 17 D- D- 2
e) 07 – 10 E Poor E 1

The Kenya National Examinations Council reserves the right to correct

the information given in the results slips before certificates are issued.
The decisions of the Council and its examiners concerning results are
final.

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5.1.2 Results for Partial Subjects taken During the KCSE Examination
by Repeaters
i) A supplementary result slip, not a certificate will be issued to
repeating candidates who register and sit for less than 7
subjects. The result slip will indicate the subjects sat and
supplementary subject(s) grades obtained. The supplementary
subject(s) grades will not be used to re-compute the mean
grade given at the initial (first) KCSE examination attempt. The
candidates will therefore have one certificate for the initial (first)
attempt and the supplementary subject(s) results slip.

5.1.3 The Council will not issue a combined single certificate to repeaters for
KCSE examination.

5.2 Examination Results Slips and Printouts

After release of results, institutions and candidates may get their results through
the following:
5.2.1 Each of the institutions that enter candidates for the KCSE examinations
shall receive a hard copy of the institution’s examination results printout
and candidate’s result slips which captures the following information:

i) Institution’s Code and Name

The institution’s code is a unique number by which an examination
centre is identified by KNEC. This is the number that an institution
should always quote whenever communicating with the Kenya
National Examinations Council.
ii) Candidates Details
These details include the index number of the candidate, year of
examination, gender, individual subject grades and the final mean
grade. The important features of the examination results are as
indicated below:-
i) X - denotes an absent candidate. A candidate is declared
absent if he/she did not sit for one or all papers in the
examination.
ii) Y-denotes that the candidate was involved in an
examination irregularity. For the KCPE examination
results, the symbol 00 indicates an irregularity;

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iii) P-denotes that the candidate’s examination results have
been pended due to infringement on the entry
requirements for registration e.g. incorrect precious results -
KCPE/CPE/or Foreign examination details for entry in KCSE
examination;
iv) W- denotes that the candidate’s examination results have
been withheld on suspicion that the candidate has been
involved in an examination malpractice and investigations
are ongoing;
v) U-denotes ungraded examination results due to
infringement of the awards criteria.
vi) The above information is summarized below:-
a) Mean grade will be X, if a candidate is absent in all
subjects;
b) Mean grade will be Y , if one or more subjects are
cancelled;
c) Mean grade will be U, if the entry requirements for
the KCSE examination are not met;
d) Mean grade will be P, if results are pended; and
e) Mean grade will be W, if the examination results are
withheld;

5.2.2 The details of pended, withheld and irregularities are communicated to

the institution through the Sub County Director of Education at the time
of release of the examination results and are received by the institutions
at the same time with the examination results.
Note: Information on release of results for specific examinations
are outlined in part two of this manual.

5.2.3 Examination Results through SMS and Internet Services

iii) Upon the release of KCSE examinations, the candidates can access
their results through SMS services through a number that is relayed
during the release.
iv) The KCSE candidates are expected to access their result slips
through the KNEC website immediately after release of the
examination through their respective schools.

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5.3 Issuance of certificates
5.3.1 Once certificates for a specific examination are ready for
collection/dispatch from KNEC, the institutions are informed through the
mass and print media, Sub County Directors of Education and/or the
heads of institutions;
5.3.2 All certificates for regular candidates are issued through the Heads of
Institutions and to private candidates through the Sub County Directors
of Education;
5.3.3 The Kenya National Examinations Council reserves the right to withdraw
a certificate for amendment or for any other reason should this be
necessary.

5.4 Guarding against Cheating in Examinations

5.4.1 The Kenya National Examinations Council is committed to guarantee

fairness in the conduct of all its examination. To achieve this objective,
KNEC has put in place measures to guard against any candidate gaining
undue advantage over others through cheating. The different forms of
cheating include collusion, impersonation, and indiscipline during
the examination time and smuggling of unauthorized materials
into the examination rooms including mobile phones and other
electronic devices.
5.4.2 Any case detected or reported cheating should be investigated by KNEC
and the concerned agents. If it is established that cheating took place,
the affected candidates are penalized stipulated in the KNEC act and
Heads of institutions are informed of the action taken through their Sub-
County Directors of education.

5.4.3 Heads of institutions are expected to:

i) continue sensitizing their candidates and staff on examination ethics
as part of the general teaching of morals;
ii) advise the candidates to refrain from trying to obtain any unfair
assistance from anybody during the examination. Emphasis must be
made on the importance of producing their own honest work as
cheating has lifelong consequences on the individual learner..
Candidates are advised to report to the Supervisor any person who
attempts to make them commit examination malpractice.

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5.5 Role Modelling

5.5.1 Pupils imitate what they see their peers and adults do and
teachers should therefore serve as role models in their own institutions
by exhibiting good and responsible behaviour.
5.5.2 A lot is at stake when examination malpractice is allowed to take place in
an institution. Thus, teachers should desist from bad practices both in
word and deed and discourage dishonest tendencies among students.
If this is done within the normal school routine, it will be easier for
students to adhere to sound examination practices during the national
examinations.
5.6 Teaching of good values during School Assemblies and Programmes of
Pastoral instruction
5.6.1 Teachers should instil positive values in the students, values that will help
them grow up into self-disciplined, self-reliant and integrated citizens.
The school assemblies and where applicable, programmes of pastoral
instruction could be used to constantly impart examination ethics besides
other values to the students and advise them on how to conduct
themselves during the examinations. The need for integrity, honesty and
trustworthiness should be emphasized.
5.6.2 The head teacher or the teacher on duty can expound these values from
a spiritual, religious and experiential or existential perspectives. Students
should be reminded often that ‘honesty is the best policy’ as teachers use
relevant references from the holy books to teach their students the
importance of living honest lives.

5.7 Guidance and Counselling

5.7.1 Schools should inform students that it is morally wrong to cheat in tests or
examinations, guide them on the right code of conduct as well as help
them to overcome the tendencies to cheat in examinations.

5.7.2 Other parties including parents, school sponsors, the community, PTA,
Board of Governors, the Church and other religious organizations also
have a crucial role to play. Schools should therefore involve
knowledgeable individuals to address students on different aspects of
their lives, behavior, education, examinations and spirituality.

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5.8 Strengthening of Supervision and Invigilation During School Based
Tests
5.8.1 While administering class tests, questions, end of term and end of year
examinations, teachers must ensure that students are supervised and
invigilated which includes spacing their sitting arrangements during tests
and examinations. This will ensure that students do not cheat either by
communicating with each other, copying from each other or from their
books. Teachers should also penalize students who are caught cheating
during these classroom tests and examinations. Creating an ideal
examination atmosphere will give students practical experience of what is
expected of them when they sit for the national examinations.
Requirements such as sitting arrangements, preparation of examination
rooms and secure handling of examination materials stipulated in the
conduct and administration of examination should be adhered to.
5.8.2 Cheating in a school is a manifestation of failure by the head teachers and
the staff to successfully teach the important aspects of moral behaviour
and reflects poorly on the administration, professional ethics and moral
conduct of a school where it occurs. It should therefore be discouraged.
5.9 Use of Mobile phones and other Electronic Communication Devices
during the Examinations
The use and access to mobile phones and other electronic communication
devices by candidates can be a threat to national examinations and the credibility
of certification in Kenya. To ensure that examination irregularities do not occur
as a result of candidates using or accessing mobile phones and other electronic
communication devices, the following guidelines must be adhered to:-

5.9.1 candidates are not allowed to enter any examination centre with mobile
phones and other electronic communication devices during the
examination period. Those caught with the devices, shall be treated as
having committed an examination irregularity and reported to the Council;
5.9.2 possession of or access to mobile phones and other electronic
communication devices by candidates during examinations will constitute
an examination irregularity and will lead to cancellation of examination
results;
5.9.3 the Supervisors, Invigilators, Heads of institutions and any other person
involved in the administration of the examinations are not allowed to enter
an examination room with mobile phones and other electronic
communication devices when the examination is in progress;

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5.9.4 All the authorised personnel at an examination centre should surrender
their mobile phones to be locked in a locker that will be situated outside
the examination room.
5.9.5 A list of all authorised personnel will be prepared in advance and
conspicuously displayed in the school during the examinations
5.9.6 The supervisor will be the custodian of the key to the locker.

5.10 Examination Malpractice

5.10.1 The Kenya National Examinations Council is committed to ensuring
fairness and objectivity in view of decisions made regarding examination
irregularities. This is because KNEC recognizes that examination results
are the major determinant of access into the job market and institutions
of higher learning. Examination standards must be maintained by
ensuring that only candidates who abide by the laid down examination
rules and regulations get their results.
5.10.2 To uphold honesty in examinations, the 2012 KNEC Act, has the following
sections was enacted;
i) Section 26: Oath of Secrecy;
ii) Section 27: Unauthorized possession of examination papers,
material or information;
iii) Section 28: Examination Malpractices;
iv) Section 29: Loss or misuse of examination papers or material;
v) Section 30: Damage or destruction of examination material
or facilities;
vi) Section 31: Impersonation;
vii) Section 32: Copying at an examination;
viii) Section 33: Possession of offensive material and
disturbances at examinations centres;
ix) Section 34: Presentation of forged certificate;
x) Section 35: Counterfeiting of Certificates and Diplomas;
xi) Section 36: Disclosure of interest in examination or examination
paper
xii) Section 42: Limitation on right to access information;
xiii) Section 45: Nullification of examination and investigations;
xiv) Section 46: Imposition of penalty on institutions for examination
irregularities.

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5.10.3 The KNEC Act was amended in 2017 by inserting the following:
Section 40 a: A member, officer, agent or staff of the Council
whose omission or commission leads to an examination
irregularity commits an offence and is liable upon conviction, to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or a fine not
exceeding five million shillings or both.
5.10.4 Officers should therefore take extra caution when managing the
examination. The table below gives a summary of examination
malpractices.

Table 6: Summary of Examination Malpractices

Type of Examination Definition How the Examination
Irregularity Irregularity is Executed
i) Collusion This involves a group of a) Candidates being assisted by an
candidates producing external agent (third party) to
identical responses on an perform tasks during the
examination. examination. The agent may be
but not limited to a fellow
candidate, teacher, supervisor,
invigilator, student(s) in a lower
class or an outsider;
b) Candidates copying from each
other or from external sources or
exposing their work intentionally
or unintentionally with the
resultant effect of other
candidates copying the same;

c) Smuggling of question papers out

of the examination room for
other people to work out the
responses and then circulating
the worked out responses among
candidates;

d) Swapping of answer scripts and

index numbers between
candidates for the purpose of
assisting each other.

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Type of Examination Definition How the Examination
Irregularity Irregularity is Executed
ii) Possession of This involves candidates Possession of programmable
electronic having in their calculators, mobile phones, SIM
communication possession electronic cards, iPODs, iPADs, tablets,
devices in the communication devices laptops or any other electronic
examination in the examination room communication device in an
centre or centre during the examination room or centre
examination period. during the examination.

iii) Impersonation This occurs when a a) Two candidates swapping names

person: and index numbers with the
intention of sitting the
examination for each other;
i) who is not registered b) An unregistered person sitting for
to take a particular the examination for a registered
examination presents candidate;
or attempts to c) Candidates who register for an
present himself or examination using a false name,
herself to take the identity or falsified documents.
part of a candidate;
ii) registers for the
examination using a
false name or
identity;

iii) falsely uses a

certificate,
testimonial,
signature,
photograph or a
document of some
other person to
represent that other
person
iv) Smuggling of This happens when a a) Candidates smuggling written
written candidate takes notes or text books into the
unauthorized unauthorised information examination room;
information into into an examination b) Candidates found with writings
the examination room with the aim of on their clothing and shoes ;
room using the information to c) Candidates found with writings
respond to questions in on calculator covers,

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Type of Examination Definition How the Examination
Irregularity Irregularity is Executed
the examination. mathematical tables, geometrical
sets etc;
d) Candidates found with writings
on their body parts;
e) Candidates smuggling
information stored in
programmable calculators into
the examination room.
v) Presentation of This happens when a a) Candidates who submit two or
two or more candidate submits two or more answer sheets/scripts for
answer more answer the same examination with
scripts/sheets sheets/scripts for the different responses on the
by one same examination paper answer sheets/scripts;
candidate to KNEC for marking. b) Candidates who submit two or
more answer sheets/scripts for
the same examination with
different handwritings on the
various answer sheets/scripts;

vi) Presentation of This occurs when a a) A candidate presenting an answer

an answer script candidate presents an script for one paper which has
with different answer script that has distinctly different handwriting;
handwritings two or more distinct
hand writings which b) A candidate presenting answer
when examined by scripts in different papers which
experts is found to have have distinctly different
originated from different handwritings in the various
persons. The different papers/subjects.
handwritings in the
various papers indicate
that some of the
candidate’s papers were
done by a third party.

vii) Prior knowledge This occurs when a) Question paper packets being
of contents of candidates are exposed tampered with at the distribution
examination to contents of question centre and the contents of
papers papers a few hours question papers divulged to
before the time candidates a few hours to the

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Type of Examination Definition How the Examination
Irregularity Irregularity is Executed
scheduled for the paper time scheduled for the paper on
on the timetable. the timetable;
b) Question paper packets being
tampered with on transit to the
examination centre from the
distribution centre and the
contents of question papers
divulged to candidates a few
hours to the time scheduled for
the paper on the timetable;
c) Question paper packets being
tampered with on arrival at the
examination centre and the
contents of question papers
divulged to candidates a few
hours/minutes to the time
scheduled for the paper on the
timetable.
d) Images of whole or part of
examination question papers
being taken and circulated on
social media
viii) Leakage This refers to making the a) Question paper packets being
contents of a question tampered with on transit to the
paper known to distribution centre and the
candidates more than a contents of question papers
day in advance of the divulged to candidates earlier
date scheduled for the than a day before the date
paper. scheduled for the paper on the
timetable;
b) Question paper packets being
tampered with at the distribution
centre and the contents of
question papers divulged to
candidates earlier than a day
before the date scheduled for the
paper on the timetable;
ix) Plagiarism This involves the Candidates presenting projects
unacknowledged use by /project papers that have been
candidates of someone done by other persons other than

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Type of Examination Definition How the Examination
Irregularity Irregularity is Executed
else’s work without the registered candidates.
acknowledging the same
and passing it as if it
were his/her own work.

x) Disruptive This encompasses any a) Usage of offensive language;

behaviour in the behavior that disrupts b) Fighting within the examination
examination the administration of room or its precincts;
room or centre scheduled examinations c) Disrespect to Supervisors or
in an examination room Invigilators;
or centre. d) Inappropriate dressing within
the examination room or centre;
e) Arriving at the examination
centre while intoxicated;
f) Uncalled for behaviour such as
screaming, stripping naked,
dragging furniture, shouting
within the examination room or
its precincts, etc;
xi) Inclusion of This happens when a) Candidates’ including money in
inappropriate, candidates include their answer scripts with a view
offensive or inappropriate, offensive to bribing Examiners to award
obscene or obscene materials / them unwarranted marks;
materials in the writings/drawings in their b) Candidates writing obscene/
answer scripts answer scripts. offensive words, phrases,
or course work. sentences/drawings on their
answer scripts.

Table 7: Sanctions and Penalties for involvement in Examination

Irregularities
Applicable
Form of examination irregularity section of Penalty / Sanction
KNEC Act,
2012
i) Contravention of the oath of Section 26, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five
secrecy subsection (1 & years;
2) b) A fine not exceeding one million shillings;
c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
five years and a fine not exceeding one
million shillings.
d)

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Applicable
Form of examination irregularity section of Penalty / Sanction
KNEC Act,
2012
ii) Unauthorized possession of an Section 27, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten
examination paper or any part subsection (1) years;
thereof, or any material b) A fine not exceeding two million shillings;
purporting to relate to the c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
contents of any paper or ten years and a fine not exceeding two
materials for an examination. million shillings.
iii) Negligently or willfully assisting Section 27, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten
or causing a candidate to obtain subsection (3) years;
or gain unauthorised possession b) A fine not exceeding two million shillings;
of any examination paper, c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
material or information or any ten years and a fine not exceeding two
part thereof. million shillings.
iv) Giving an examination paper or Section 28, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five
material to a candidate or subsection (a) years;
another person without lawful b) A fine not exceeding one million shillings;
authority before or during an c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
examination. five years and a fine not exceeding one
million shillings.
v) Disclosing the contents of an Section 28, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five
examination paper or material to subsection (b) years;
a candidate or another person b) A fine not exceeding one million shillings;
without lawful authority. c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
five years and a fine not exceeding one
million shillings.
vi) Making a change in the original Section 28, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five
answer script of a candidate. subsection (c) years;
b) A fine not exceeding one million shillings;
c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
five years and a fine not exceeding one
million shillings.
vii) Fraudulently replacing the Section 28, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five
original answer script of a subsection (d) years;
candidate. b) A fine not exceeding one million shillings;
c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
five years and a fine not exceeding one
million shillings.
viii) Fraudulently altering the results, Section 28, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five
work or marks of a candidate, for subsection (e) years;
example: examiners colluding b) A fine not exceeding one million shillings;
with the Candidates, College c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
Principals, Directors of five years and a fine not exceeding one
institutions, to alter candidate(s) million shillings.

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Applicable
Form of examination irregularity section of Penalty / Sanction
KNEC Act,
2012
marks.
ix) Fraudulently altering the Section 28, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five
examination number, photograph subsection (f) years;
or other identification of a b) A fine not exceeding one million shillings;
candidate. c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
five years and a fine not exceeding one
million shillings.
x) Altering the records of the Section 28, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five
Council with regard to an subsection (g) years;
examination or examination b) A fine not exceeding one million shillings;
results in relation to a candidate c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
without lawful authority. five years and a fine not exceeding one
million shillings.
xi) Negligently or willfully losing any Section 29 a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five
examination paper, material or years;
any other information relating b) A fine not exceeding one million shillings;
thereto or using such information c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
in a manner prejudicial to the fair five years and a fine not exceeding one
conduct of any examination by a million shillings.
person who has in his or her
possession or under his or her
control any examination paper,
material or any other information
relating thereto
xii) Willful and malicious damage to Section 30 a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five
examination materials or years;
facilities. b) A fine not exceeding five million shillings;
c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
five years and a fine not exceeding five
million shillings.
xiii) Possession of any offensive Section 33, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding
weapon or other material or use subsection(1), three years;
of any offensive weapon or other (a), (b) b) A fine not exceeding five hundred thousand
material on any other person / shillings;
acting or inciting any other c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
person to act in a disorderly three years and a fine not exceeding five
manner for the purpose of hundred thousand shillings.
disrupting the conduct of an
examination or of harming,
intimidating, assaulting or
obstructing a candidate or any
other person involved in the

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Applicable
Form of examination irregularity section of Penalty / Sanction
KNEC Act,
2012
conduct of the examination.

xiv) Presenting a forged certificate or Section 34, a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding two
diploma, results slip or statement subsection (a) years;
of results or presenting someone (b) b) A fine not exceeding one million shillings;
else’s certificate or diploma, c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
results slip or statement of two years and a fine not exceeding one
results purporting it to be million shillings.
hers/his to a prospective
employer, institution of learning
with intent to gain employment
or admission.
xv) Counterfeiting for commercial Section 35 a) Imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten
purposes a certificate or diploma years;
issued by the Council. b) A fine not exceeding ten million shillings;
c) Both imprisonment for a term not exceeding
ten years and a fine not exceeding ten
million shillings.
xvi) Direct or indirect interest of a Section 36, Disciplinary action based on KNEC’s
KNEC member of staff in a subsections 1 & disciplinary process.
private capacity in an 2 (a)
examination or in any
examination paper or information
relating thereto or if the spouse,
child or parent of such a person
is a candidate in such
examination and the person has
not disclosed such interest to the
Council or its nominee as soon as
practicable before the
commencement of his or her
duties in respect to such an
examination.

xvii) Direct or indirect interest of a Section 36, Vitiation of contract.

KNEC Contracted Professional in subsections 1 &
a private capacity in an 2 (b)
examination or in any
examination paper or information
relating thereto or if the spouse,
child or parent of such a person

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Applicable
Form of examination irregularity section of Penalty / Sanction
KNEC Act,
2012
is a candidate in such
examination and the person has
not disclosed such interest to the
Council or its nominee as soon as
practicable before the
commencement of his or her
duties in respect to such an
examination

All CDEs and TSC CDs, SCDEs, TSC SCDs, Head teachers/Principals,
Supervisors and Invigilators are therefore asked to ensure that these guidelines are
brought to the attention of the relevant stakeholders including parents and
candidates and to ensure that the regulations are complied with.

5.11 Guidelines On Handling Of Queries

5.11.1 Types of common queries are as summarized in the table below.
Table 8: Types of Queries

Type Of Query Definition

i. Query on Order of Query arising as a result of a candidate’s order of names having
Names been incorrectly captured.
ii. Query on Misspelling / Query arising as a result of a candidate’s name(s) / initial been
Incorrect capture of mispelt / incorrectly captured.
Names/Initials
iii. Query on Addition of Query arising as a result of a candidate requesting for a name(s) to
Names be added.
iv. Query on change of Query arising as a result of a candidate requesting for an initial to
initials to full names be changed to a full name.
v. Query on Incorrectly Query arising as a result of a candidate’s gender having been
captured / missing incorrectly captured / missing.
Gender
vi. Query on Incorrectly Query arising as a result of the year of examination having been
captured / missing incorrectly captured / missing.
Year of previous
Examination(KCPE)
vii. Query on Incorrectly Query arising as a result of a candidate’s index number having been
captured / missing incorrectly captured/ missing.
Index Number

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Type Of Query Definition
viii. Query on Recovery of Query arising as a result of any of the following:
Certificates Incorrect capture of details of a candidate (name, index number)on
a certificate;
Incorrect capture of details of examination centre where candidate
sat examination (examination centre code / name,)on a certificate;
Incorrect capture of year of examination on certificate;
Wrong photograph pasted on a certificate;
Misprinted / poorly printed certificate;
Certificate not dispatched to examination centre.
ix Query on Pended Query arising as a result of pending of a candidate’s results because
Results due to the candidate did not provide the required details of previous KNEC
registration issues examination at the time of registration.
x Query on withheld Query arising as a result of withholding of a candidate’s result
results due to because of suspected involvement in an examination irregularity.
suspected
examination
irregularities
xi Query on Recovery of Query arising as a result of any of the following:
Results slips incorrect capture of details of a candidate (name, index number) on
a results slip;
incorrect capture of details of examination centre where candidate
sat examination (examination centre code / name,)on a results slip;
Incorrect capture of year of examination on results slip;
Misprinted / poorly printed results slip;
Results slip not dispatched to examination centre.
xii Query on incorrectly Query arising as a result of a candidate’s examination centre name
captured or missing or code having been incorrectly captured / missing.
Examination Centre
Name /Code
xiii Query / Appeal on Query arising as a result of cancellation of a candidate’s results in a
Cancellation of Results subject / entire examination.

5.11.2 The Kenya National Examinations Council allows thirty (30) days after
the date of release of the results/certificates for candidate(s) or
institution(s) to raise any query arising from the released examination
results/certificates. Queries about examination results/certificates must be
made through the Heads of institutions for institutional candidates and the
Sub County Directors of Education for private candidates. The appeal
documents must reach the Kenya National Examinations Council not later

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than thirty (30) days after the release of the examination
results/certificates, after which the query shall attract a penalty.

5.11.3 All heads of institutions who present candidates for KNEC examinations
should ensure that this information is brought to the attention of
candidates.

5.12 Charges on Queries after Release of Examination Results

Errors that are not corrected during registration period are carried forward to
the printing of the candidates’ results slips. Such errors should be brought to
the attention of KNEC within thirty (30) days after the date of release of
examination results to avoid cascading the errors to the printing of certificates.
i) Any amendment on name, gender and year of birth attracts a penalty of
Kes.5,000/= (Five thousand) per candidate if submitted thirty
(30) days after release of KCSE results to avoid cascading the
same to the printing of the certificate.
ii) The Head teacher must request in writing explaining the origin of
the error.
iii) The Kenya National Examinations Council reserves the right to accept
or reject a request for amendment(s).

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PART VI

6.0 OTHER SERVICES OFFERED BY KNEC

This part gives information on all other services offered by the Kenya National
Examinations Council. In this part KNEC takes cognizance of the need to be responsive
to the public for efficient service delivery. Stakeholders are encouraged to read this part
to familiarize themselves with all other services offered by KNEC.

6.1 Equation of Foreign Results and Certificates

6.1.1 This is a service for persons with foreign examinations who seek to join
the Kenyan education system or seek employment in the country. This
service is offered to enable such clients join the education institutions at
the required levels.
6.1.2 The Kenya National Examinations Council equates school and post school
certificates that meet the criteria outlined below:
i) Such certificates should have been awarded by an accredited
examining board or an institution mandated by law to offer the
examination and certificates.
ii) Institutional based certificates (local or international) similar to those
offered by KNEC are not equitable.
iii) The applicant must meet the entry requirements of the equivalent
course(s) offered by KNEC at the time e.g. if someone has taken an
equivalent of a P1 course outside the country and seeks equation,
they must have attained the Kenya equivalent entry qualification
required for the course for their certificates to be equated for KNEC.
iv) Clients seeking equation of Advanced level certificates must provide
“O” level certificate and the two certificates must be submitted to
KNEC.
v) Clients who sat for KCSE examination and are applying for equation of
Advanced level certificates must have had a KCSE mean grade of C
(plain).
vi) The applicant must have covered the subjects that are mandatory for
one to satisfy the awarding rules e.g. for a certificate to be equated to
KCSE, the applicant must have sat for seven (7) subjects including
Mathematics, a Language i.e. English, two Sciences, and one
Humanity.

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vii) The applicant must have been under formal instruction for the
appropriate number of years/contact hours of study at that particular
level as per then KNEC requirements.
viii) All foreign examinations/courses taken locally or internationally but
not done in the country of origin of the said examination/course are
not equitable to KNEC qualifications.
ix) All courses undertaken through correspondence/ distance learning
have no equivalence to any KNEC qualification because contact hours
by a learner are a requirement by KNEC.
x) All persons holding foreign qualifications and seeking to join any
educational institution (school and post school) offering KNEC
examinations must get an equation/equivalence from KNEC before
joining the said institution.
xi) Any person seeking an equation/equivalence and holding a certificate
written in any language other than English or Kiswahili must have the
certificate translated by the Embassy of their respective country or
Alliance Francaise for certificates written in French or any other
recognized institution for other languages.
xii) All certificates submitted for equation/equivalence must be verified or
confirmed by the Examinations Board directly to the Chief Executive
Officer, KNEC through this e-mail address, [email protected].

xiii) Once the person seeking equation of a certificate has met the
above conditions then he/she will be required to provide the
following:
(a) A letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Kenya
National Examinations Council, P. O. Box 73598-00200,
Nairobi. The letter should state the reason for equation and
give the postal address of the institution or organization which
requested for the equation.
(b) The original certificate and birth certificate for equation of
primary school certificates whose owners are minors.
(c) Photocopies of all the original certificates.
(d) A leaving certificate/school leaving testimonials.
(e) A letter by the embassy/ministry of education of the country
the certificate originated from and a detailed report on the
accreditation status of the examination board which issued the
certificate.

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(f) Evidence of payment (Bank slip). Payment should be done
after verification of documents by KNEC.
(g) The clients requiring the equated certificate to be faxed will
meet the cost.
xiv) The client should note that:
(a) The equation letter is meant for use by the institution to which
it is addressed and therefore will not be given or copied to
the candidate/parent or guardian.
(b) KNEC will only equate certificates where a method (formula)
for conversion exists and where the curriculum is followed by
KNEC.
(c) These rules governing equation/equivalence of certificates
are subject to change without notice.

6.2 Verification and Confirmation of examinations results

6.2.1 The Kenya National Examinations Council offers services to local and
international institutions/employers who seek to confidentially confirm
examination results of potential students or clients. This section
outlines the basic procedure of authenticating such results.
6.2.2 Persons requiring this service must apply in writing by filling an
application form obtainable from KNEC, Archives and Records Office or the
KNEC website www.knec.ac.ke . The applicant must provide the following
information:
i) The exact names used during the examination.
ii) The applicant’s (candidate’s) full index number.
iii) The level and the year of examination. In the case of Technical,
iv) Business and London G.C.E examinations, the series (i.e.
month of the year) should be included.
v) The name of the school/centre where the examination was
taken.
vi) A copy of the certificate(s) to be confirmed (mandatory).
Result slips may be presented for all examinations except for the
CPE/KCPE examinations.
vii) Full address of the employer or institution where the statement
of examination result is to be sent.
viii) Personal file number, reference or admission number where
applicable.
ix) Bank pay-in- slip.

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6.2.3 The employers/institutions can confidentially submit the
certificates/result slips of their employees or students for verification if
they are in doubt. However personal applications can be submitted
individually or posted.
6.2.4 The statement of examination results is strictly for use byuse by the
employer or the institution and therefore cannotbe given or copied to a
candidate, parent or guardian. Please note that a statement of
examination result is NOT a certificate.

6.3 Consultancy Services

KNEC provides consultancy services as and when required, guided by the
prevailing terms for individual request.

6.4 Data Requests

A Data Request is an application by an institution/individual for information/
statistics for a given purpose, for example: research, making of policy decisions,
award of scholarships, etc. On receipt of a request for provision of data from a
customer, KNEC shall confirm that the data requested for meets the following
criteria:
6.4.1 The data requested for is not confidential. The following data is classified
as confidential for this purpose:
i) Individual candidates’ subject results;
ii) Individual candidates’ overall results;
iii) Details of candidates involved in examination irregularities;
6.4.2 Further, the requested data should not hinge on any form of ranking
(except for institutions that require data on ranking for social responsibility
initiatives who shall be provided with the data;
6.4.3 On receipt of request of data by any customer, KNEC shall scrutinize all
the documents received from the customer to verify whether all the
required documents have been provided. These documents shall include
the following:
(i) A letter of request addressed to the Chief Executive Officer giving
specific details of the kind of data which is required, the contact
details including a valid mobile phone number and e-mail address.
(ii) Relevant authorization from National Council for Science,
Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI) and the relevant institution of
learning (for students) requesting for data for research purposes.
(iii) A copy of the national identity card and student’s identity card (where
applicable).

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(iv) A letter of authority from the relevant government
department/research permits (where applicable).
(v) Verify the intents of the data request.
(vi) Upon verification the officer in charge shall ascertain the availability of
data within the Research Division.

6.4.4 Upon receipt of the documents:

i) KNEC will verify the intents of the data request;
ii) Upon verification, KNEC shall ascertain the availability of data
within the Research Division.
iii) If not available the officer in charge shall then advise the customer
accordingly.
iv) Once the above requirements are met, KNEC shall communicate to
the customer in writing (where necessary).
v) If the data request is approved, KNEC shall cost the data request
and forward this information to the customer to make the relevant
payment.
vi) On receipt of the payment deposit slip for the data request, KNEC
shall forward it to the customer after signing in the data request
register.

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KNEC CONTACTS

All correspondence to the Kenya National Examination Council should be

addressed to,

The Chief Executive Officer

P.O. Box 73598 00200,
Nairobi, Kenya.

Head Office
The New Mitihani House,
South C, off Popo Road
Tel:+254 020 3317412/3317413/3317419/3317427/3341027
3341050/3341071/3341098/3341113
Fax: +254-020-2226032
Mobile:0720741001/0732333860

South C Offices
Foreign Examinations 0202143412
KCSE examination 0771813972
Teacher examinations /Assessments 0772069882
Technical Examinations 0771813866/0771814259
Business Examinations 0771814060/0771814105
Archives and Records 0732333566/0720741004

Email: [email protected]

CRM: http://semanasi.knec.ac.ke/semanasi/

Facebook: Kenya National Examinations Council Twitter: KNEC@Exams Council

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