Knec lists adult learners for KCSE qualifying test

Adult learners who never sat the KCPE exam have less than a month to register for the qualifying test that will allow them to sit the 2027 KCSE exam as private candidates.

Kakamega Central subcounty adult learning and education officer Hana Namakavuli-Ichingwa said validation, equivalency and registration for the qualifying test are ongoing and will close on July 30.

The qualifying test will be administered online in September at county education offices.

The exercise comes as Kenya prepares for the final phase-out of the 8-4-4 education system, with 2027 expected to be the last year Knec will administer KCSE examinations for private candidates.

Ichingwa said the qualifying test, conducted by the Kenya National Examinations Council, targets three categories of candidates.

The first category includes people who never sat KCPE but have acquired sufficient knowledge through informal learning or previous schooling and can provide evidence, such as report cards or school records, showing they attended primary or secondary school.

"Such candidates are required to write an application letter to the Knec CEO and deposit a validation fee of Sh3,480 using ready-made KCSE bank slips available at designated banks," Ichingwa said.

The applicants must then present the application letter, proof of schooling and the deposit slip at the New Mitihani House in South C, Nairobi, for validation.

The validation process is intended to establish whether applicants possess knowledge equivalent to primary education and are eligible to sit the KCSE qualifying test.

Upon approval, applicants receive a clearance letter from Knec, which they must present at the Kakamega Central Adult Education Office for registration.

Ichingwa said the Kakamega Central office has been mandated by the county director of education to register candidates locally after payment of an additional Sh3,000 registration fee through the e-Citizen platform, together with the applicable online processing charge.

The second category comprises holders of the old Certificate of Primary Education, Kenya Certificate of Education or Kenya Junior Secondary Examination certificates issued before the introduction of the 8-4-4 education system in 1985.

Ichingwa said these candidates are eligible for direct registration at the Kakamega Central office and are not required to undergo validation in Nairobi.

The third category includes holders of foreign certificates obtained outside Kenya.

Such applicants are required to have their certificates equated by Knec through their respective national examinations authorities before presenting the equivalency letter for registration at the subcounty office.

According to Knec regulations, candidates with foreign qualifications must obtain an equation letter before they can proceed with registration for the qualifying test and eventual KCSE examination.

The Knec qualifying test is a proficiency examination designed to determine whether a candidate has the academic ability to pursue KCSE studies and examinations without holding a KCPE certificate or its equivalent. The test has traditionally been used by holders of foreign primary qualifications and certificates issued before the 8-4-4 system was introduced. 

Ichingwa said her office has already registered 94 candidates for the 2026 KCSE examination and urged eligible adult learners to take advantage of the qualifying test pathway while the opportunity still exists.

"Candidates seeking regular KCSE registration must have a KCPE certificate and either a birth certificate or national identity card," she said.

Those who have misplaced their KCPE certificates have been advised to visit the subcounty adult education office or the office of the subcounty director of education for assistance.

Private candidates register for KCSE examinations through subcounty education offices and are required to meet the same entry conditions set by Knec for other candidates. 

Ichingwa urged all eligible residents in Kakamega county to visit the Kakamega Central Adult Education Office, call the office or seek assistance through the Huduma Centre desk before the July 30 deadline.

"The qualifying test offers a second chance at education that should not be missed," she said.