Learners sitting for KCSE exams. Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Kenyans that the upcoming 2025 KCSE and KPSEA national exams will proceed without disruption despite by-elections scheduled for late November.
Speaking in Kisii on Friday, Murkomen said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had planned the polls to take place after the completion of national exams, avoiding any clash with exam timetables.
Schools remain no-go zones for campaigns
Murkomen emphasised that schools serving as polling stations would only be accessed on election day and that no campaign activities would be allowed on the premises.
“Schools are a no-go zone in terms of campaign infrastructure. IEBC has ensured elections will happen after exams, so students will not be disrupted,” he stated.
The CS noted that security officers will be deployed to ensure learning institutions remain free from political intrusion throughout the campaign period. He urged the electoral body to work with government agencies to keep campaign rallies away from schools.
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Exam calendar unchanged
According to the Ministry of Education, KCSE exams will begin on October 21 with oral papers, while theory papers are set to start on November 3. The last paper is scheduled for November 21, just six days before the planned by-elections.
The KPSEA exams will also run in October, with the Ministry assuring parents and learners that exam centres will be fully safeguarded.
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Murkomen said the government remains committed to protecting learners from unnecessary disruptions:
“What we want to protect students from is the disruption of political activities. IEBC must help structure the campaign schedule in a way that safeguards exams.”
The statement comes after rising concerns from parents and education stakeholders that political activities tied to the by-elections could affect candidates sitting national exams.
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