For the first time in the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) history, KCSE exams have been introduced mid-year specifically for repeaters or anyone who wishes to resit for their exams again. The program was introduced in 2022 as a pilot phase, but starting in 2025, it will be the first time to be fully adopted by all learners Nationwide. This year, KCSE exams for repeaters registration were opened on January 27 and closed on February 21, 2025; as of writing, this means that if you missed this window, you would have to wait and sit for the exams in the coming year when KNEC gives further directions.
As usual, if you are one of the candidates looking forward to these exams, I am here to guide you through registering and even tell you when they will start. In addition, if you are a first-time KCSE candidate looking to sit for routine examinations, you may check this official article on the KCSE 2025 timetable, as it is officially out, and I have also covered the full schedule.
Who Is Eligible for the 2025 KCSE July Exams?
As all types of examinations are offered by the Kenya National Examinations Council, at least for the standard KCSE exams, which have stringent rules that candidates & Exam centers must follow for the registration process to happen. The same case is for the KCSE 2025 July exams. Since still most people might not be fully aware of the eligibility requirements, you should know that these exams are only meant for three primary categories of eligible candidates as follows:
- Repeaters: This group includes individuals who have previously sat for the KCSE exams and wish to improve their grades. Repeaters may register as full repeaters, candidates taking seven or more subjects to earn a full certificate, or as partial repeaters, candidates registering for fewer than seven subjects to enhance specific grades and earn a result slip for that particular subject.
- Candidates Unable to Sit Previous Exams: This category covers individuals who had registered for KCSE in previous years but could not sit for the exams due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or emergencies.
- Adult Learners: This group caters to older people, but they must be enrolled in regular schools and have proof of primary education qualifications, such as the KCPE certificate.
Apart from being in any of the categories above, all candidates who wish to be successfully registered for their exam papers must be able to produce the following documents:
- One of the identification documents such as National Identity (ID) card, Birth Certificate & Passport
- Educational Certificates such as KCPE Certificate and KCSE examination result slip or certificate for repeaters only
- A digital copy of your passport-sized photograph (300 x 300 pixels)
Note
The KCSE 2025 July series exams are meant explicitly for updates, and candidates are sitting for the exams for the first time unless they are adult learners who have met all the qualifications needed, which are also subject to repeaters.
How to Register For July KCSE Exams
Now, the registration process for the July KCSE series of examinations is straightforward as long as you know the necessary criteria. You should understand that the process is only done within the set application window. For example, in 2025, KNEC allowed prospective candidates to register only between June 27 and February 21. Anything after these dates is not permitted.
The registration process starts with ensuring that you fall within the three categories of applicants we have gone through above. Additionally, meet with them and produce all the documents we have listed. Furthermore, Candidates Should visit the County Director of Education (CDE) offices in their county to register and verify their documents.
Additionally, for your registration to be accepted by KNEC systems, you also pay the registration fee of KSh 7,200 via the E-Citizen platform. You may want to check this guide on how to cases various services, including education, where I have gone into detail,
KCSE July Series 2025 Key Dates and Locations
And now, let’s focus our attention on the timetable for this particular KCSE July series; the exams will happen in two main parts; the first is the project phase, which will take place from January to July 2025, covering the following subjects: Art and Design (442), Agriculture (443), Woodwork (444), Metalwork (445), Building Construction (446) and Computer Studies (451). The last part is Theory and Practical Papers, which takes place from July 15 – August 15, 2025, at county headquarters:
To help you understand the key dates of the KCSE July exams below, I have summarised the timeline of this year’s happenings in a single table:
| Timeline | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 27 – February 21, 2025 | Registration Period | County Director of Education’s Office |
| January – July 2025 | Project Assessment for Art and Design, Agriculture, Woodwork, Metalwork, Building Construction, and Computer Studies | Sub-county level institutions |
| July 15 – August 15, 2025 | Theory and Practical Examinations | County headquarters |
Questions And Answers
What are the KNEC exams for July 2025?
The KNEC exams for July 2025 cater to those who wish to either repeat full or partially in the previous examinations to get complete certifications or improve their grades.
Is there a KCSE in July 2025?
Yes, there will be a mid-year KCSE examination in July 2025 covering both the theoretical and project parts.
How much is the registration fee for KCSE repeaters 2025?
For the 2025 KCSE, repeaters (candidates registered to retake the exam) must pay a registration fee of Kes. 7,200.00 through E-Citizen portal
We hope this article has given you a clear overview of the 2025 KCSE July exam details, including how you can easily register for them. If you have any questions or further clarification, please comment below, and we will be there to guide you.
