- KNEC released a new official telephone number for public and stakeholder inquiries effective immediately
- The council clarified that its previous numbers will remain active until the end of January 2027 to allow a smooth transition
- The 2026 KCSE examinations kicked off on October 19 with oral and practical papers, with main written exams starting October 28
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The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has unveiled a new official telephone number for the public and stakeholders to use when reaching out to the council, as the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations proceed across the country.
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KNEC made the announcement through a public notice published on Wednesday, October 21, confirming that the new number, 0719 093 000, is effective immediately and should be used for all correspondence with the council going forward.
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The examinations body asked Kenyans to update their contact records accordingly. It also clarified that existing telephone numbers would continue to function until the end of January 2027, giving the public adequate time to transition.
"Members of the public are advised to update their records and use the new number for all future communication with KNEC," the council stated in the notice.
KNEC additionally directed stakeholders to consult its official website for verified contact details and the latest updates.
2026 KCSE Timetable and Progress
The council's announcement coincides with the ongoing 2026 KCSE examinations, which commenced on Monday, October 19, with oral and practical assessments.
Per the timetable published by KNEC, French Oral, German Oral, Kenyan Sign Language Practical and Music Practical papers are scheduled to run through Friday, October 23, while Arabic Oral examinations extend to Monday, October 26. Candidates sitting the Home Science (Foods and Nutrition) practical planning session were also scheduled to do so on October 21, with the standard and large-print papers allocated 30 minutes and Braille candidates given one hour.
The main written papers are set to begin on Wednesday, October 28, with the final examination scheduled for Friday, November 20.
Earlier Preparations and the KUPPET Dispute
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that before the examinations began, KNEC issued guidelines covering procedures, conduct rules and scheduling requirements for candidates. Schools across Kenya held rehearsals on Friday, October 16, to prepare candidates for the examination environment.
The build-up to the exams was complicated by a standoff between KNEC and the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), which had called on its members to boycott examination supervision and marking duties, citing outstanding payments and remuneration concerns.
The dispute was eventually resolved, allowing preparations to continue without further disruption.
KNEC's guidelines specify that candidates must arrive at their examination centres early and comply with supervisors' instructions.
Morning sessions begin at 8am and afternoon sessions at 2pm. Candidates are barred from bringing mobile phones, wristwatches, electronic communication devices and programmable calculators into examination rooms.
Candidates, parents, teachers and other stakeholders requiring assistance can contact KNEC on the new number, 0719 093 000, or visit the council's official website for further information.
Source: TUKO.co.ke