Kakamega: At least 113 adult learners are sitting for the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination in Kakamega County as private candidates.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Director of Adult and Continuing Education (ACE), Stephene Apolo Sibena, revealed that the government has initiated an Accelerated Education Programme (AEP) to assist individuals who did not complete their KCSE studies. This program aims to allow them to sit for the exam in 2026, as the nation transitions from the 8-4-4 education system to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system by 2027.
Speaking to KNA in Kakamega town, Sibena explained that learners who were part of the 8-4-4 system may face challenges transitioning to the CBE system. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing these learners with the opportunity to complete their education and obtain necessary certificates before the full implementation of the new system. ‘We are planning to mop up school dropouts who completed KCPE or dropped out before Form Four. The CBE programme will not accommodate this group due to the coming changes, so we want to give them an opportunity to complete KCSE,’ he stated.
Sibena highlighted that numerous individuals dropped out of the 8-4-4 system due to social and economic challenges but now express a desire to return, complete their studies, and pursue further education in colleges or universities. ‘We are beginning registration early so that next year we can have a larger number of candidates than the 113 we currently have. Our goal is to enroll many more adult learners to sit for KCSE by 2027,’ he added.
Kakamega County currently operates 112 Adult Education Centres across its 12 sub-counties, accommodating over 1,115 adult learners engaged in various levels of basic education.