Nyeri: A total of 51,906 candidates are scheduled to write the national examinations and assessments in Nyeri County this year. The number includes 26,438 males and 25,968 females who will sit for the exams across more than 237 examination centers spread throughout the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nyeri County Director of Education John Thiringi stated that 20,313 candidates will write the Kenya Certificate of Education (KCSE). Within this group, there are 10,055 male candidates and 10,258 female candidates. This figure is slightly lower than the 20,432 who sat for their KCSE in 2024. The county has also seen a decrease in the number of private candidates registered for the national examinations; 537 private candidates have registered for the KCSE compared to 617 last year.
Thiringi highlighted that, despite the decline in numbers, there is a near-equal gender balance among this year’s KCSE candidates. The examination process will begin on October 21 with elective papers in subjects such as French, German, and Kenya Sign Language, among others. The main papers are scheduled to start on November 3 with English functional and Chemistry Paper 1, concluding on November 21 with Physics practicals.
Thiringi informed KNA that the Ministry has ensured all necessary measures are in place for the smooth administration of the three national assessments under the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). These include the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment for learners with special needs, Grade 6 assessments, and Grade 9 formative evaluations for senior school placement.
Under the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA), the county will assess 77 candidates, comprising 28 girls and 49 boys. Additionally, 15,163 Grade 6 learners will write the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) to transition to Junior Secondary School. Their assessments will commence on October 27 and end on October 24.
Thiringi also noted that 15,816 Grade 9 learners, forming the first cohort to join Senior School, will undertake the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) in Nyeri. This assessment, covering a range of subjects, will occur from October 27 to November 3.
Earlier this month, Central Region Director of Education Sabina Aroni assured parents that the government is prepared to ensure a smooth transition to Grade 10 for learners sitting for this year’s KJSEA. She emphasized that all necessary measures for a smooth transition have been implemented, alleviating parental concerns.
Aroni, speaking at Tetu Girls Boarding Primary School, assured learners of no co-curricular activities during the exams to prevent interruptions. She emphasized the government’s readiness and urged candidates to prepare thoroughly while avoiding panic.
A total of 1.2 million Grade 9 learners across the country will sit for the KJSEA examinations between October 27 and November 6, forming the first batch under the CBC transitioning to Senior Secondary School next year. Aroni encouraged candidates to focus on individual competency rather than competition, aligning with the CBC’s objectives to foster personal academic growth.