Adult learners who did sit the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) have less than a month to register for the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) qualifying test ahead of the 2027 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination for private candidates.

Kakamega Central Sub-County 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, 2026. The examination will be administered online at county education offices in September.

She said the qualifying test targets three categories of candidates. The first category includes individuals who have never sat KCPE but have acquired sufficient knowledge through informal learning and can provide evidence such as report cards that prove they attended primary or secondary school.

Ichingwa said such candidates are required to write an application letter to the Chief Executive Officer of KNEC, deposit a validation fee of Ksh3,480 using ready-made KCSE slips available at banks and present the application, proof of schooling and deposit slip at the New Mitihani House in South C, Nairobi, for validation.

Upon approval, applicants will receive a clearance letter to be presented at the Kakamega Central Adult Education Office, which has been mandated by the County Director of Education to register candidates locally upon payment of an additional Ksh3,000 registration fee through the e-Citizen platform, plus an online processing charge.

The second category comprises holders of the old Certificate of Primary Education (CPE), Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE) or Kenya Junior Secondary Examination (KJSE) certificates issued before the introduction of the 8-4-4 system. These candidates are eligible for direct registration at the Kakamega Central Office without undergoing validation in Nairobi.

The third category includes holders of foreign certificates such as candidates who sat Grade Seven examinations 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 sub-county office.

Ichingwa said the office has already registered 94 candidates for the 2026 KCSE examination and urged eligible adult learners to take advantage of the qualifying test pathway. He noted that 2027 will be the final sitting of the KCSE examination for private candidates.

She further explained that candidates seeking regular KCSE registration must have a KCPE certificate and either a birth certificate or national identity card. Those who have misplaced their KCPE certificates are advised to visit the sub-county adult education office or the sub-county director of education office for assistance.

The officer 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. He said the qualifying test offers a second chance at education that should not be missed.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Vallery Anyoso