The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has announced noteworthy adjustments to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2024 timetable, marking a shift in how exams will be conducted this year.
The updated schedule, now available on KNEC’s official website, indicates that the exams will commence on Monday, November 4, with students facing major papers like English and Chemistry on the first day.
One of the most significant changes is the extended examination hours. Candidates will be tested in the morning, afternoon, and even in the evening, with some sessions concluding as late as 5:00 PM.
This contrasts sharply with previous years, where exams typically wrapped up much earlier in the day.
Additionally, students will experience a notable two-and-a-half-hour break after their first exam, running from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
This is a departure from the standard 30-minute break seen in past exams, which allowed for a quicker transition to the second paper.
As a result, the second exam will now begin later in the afternoon, a change that could impact students’ preparation strategies.
These modifications were also implemented during the 2023 KCSE exams, suggesting a potential trend for future examinations.
KNEC has instructed field officers to adhere to strict guidelines during the exam process, including opening exam containers at 7:00 AM and securing mobile devices to maintain integrity during testing.
In a related development, KNEC CEO David Njengere announced in August that exam papers will be personalized for candidates in a bid to combat cheating.
Each paper will feature the student’s name, index number, and other identifying details, ensuring that any misconduct is directly attributed to the individual, rather than penalizing an entire school or examination center.
Moreover, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has updated its selection criteria for managers, supervisors, and invigilators overseeing the national exams, further emphasizing KNEC’s commitment to enhancing examination integrity and security.
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