Last reviewed: 25 October 2026
KCSE has been Kenya’s big secondary school exam since 1989. With the Competency-Based Curriculum now reaching senior school, it is coming to an end. Here is what that means for students still in 8-4-4 and for younger children in CBC.
On this page
The timeline
The last class to join Form 1 under 8-4-4 did so in 2024, after the final KCPE in 2023. That class sits the last KCSE in 2027, which KNEC has confirmed will be the final KCSE administration, as The Standard reported when KNEC opened KCSE registration for 8-4-4 candidates. Meanwhile, the first CBC learners joined Grade 10 in senior school in January 2026 and will finish Grade 12 in 2028, according to the Ministry of Education’s Grade 9 placement statement. That means 2026 and 2027 KCSE candidates, as well as Grade 10 and 11 learners, share secondary schools for a time.
What it means for current Form 3 and Form 4 students
- The 2026 and 2027 KCSE exams are expected to run as normal, with the same grading rules (KCSE grading explained).
- Students who do not finish in their year, for example due to illness, should plan carefully, because there will be no regular class to repeat with after 2027.
- Remarking (guide) and resits remain available until 2027 only; KNEC has said the 2027 exam is the last chance (resit guide).
University admission in 2028
In 2028 two groups could compete for university places: KCSE holders from earlier years and the first CBC Grade 12 graduates, who sit the Kenya Senior School Assessment. KUCCPS and the universities are working on how to place CBC learners. Our KUCCPS under CBC guide covers what has been said so far. Until the rules are final, be wary of anyone claiming certainty.
Will KCSE certificates still be valid?
Yes. KCSE certificates remain valid qualifications for life. Employers and colleges will continue to accept them, and KNEC will keep the records for verification (see KCSE certificates guide).
What families with younger children should know
- CBC is assessed continuously; projects and school-based assessments count. Read KJSEA vs KCSE.
- Senior school pathways matter: STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science. Subject choices at Grade 10 shape future course options, much as cluster subjects do for KCSE.
- Use our Grade 10 placement predictor and parent tools to plan ahead.
A practical word
Transitions create anxiety, and with it misinformation. Stick to Ministry of Education, KNEC and KUCCPS announcements, and read the original circulars where possible. We update our KCSE hub and KJSEA hub as official information comes out.
Frequently asked questions
Will there be enough secondary school space during the overlap? The Ministry has been expanding classrooms and labs for senior school, but conditions vary by school. Ask your school about its plans.
Can a KCSE holder study alongside CBC graduates at university? Yes. Universities will admit both, through KUCCPS or directly, under rules set for each group.
Is my child’s KCPE certificate still useful? Yes, as a record of earlier education, though KCSE is what counts for further study.
If someone in your family never finished KCSE
KNEC’s chief executive has encouraged anyone with unfinished KCSE business, including adults who dropped out years ago, to sit before 8-4-4 ends, The Eastleigh Voice reports. Registration for 2026 has closed, so 2027 is the remaining sitting. If a relative needs a KCSE certificate for a job, promotion or further study, plan to register as a private candidate through the Sub-County Director of Education’s office when 2027 registration opens. After 2027 the route closes, and alternative qualifications will take longer.
Want more practice before results day, or for the next exam in your house? A CBC Guides membership opens every practice paper with worked answers, the quizzes and the revision papers for KJSEA and senior school. Plans start at KSh 500 a month. See membership plans.
Related: KCSE 2026 hub · KCSE practice papers · Parent tools