KNEC Faces Lawsuit Over Mandatory July 2025 KCSE Exams.
A Nakuru-based doctor has moved to the High Court seeking to stop the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) from administering the July 2025 KCSE exams for repeat and private candidates. Dr. Magare Gikenyi, a consultant surgeon and activist, argues that the directive is unconstitutional and was implemented without adequate public consultation.
The policy, announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba on January 8, 2025, and formalized by KNEC on January 22, 2025, requires repeat and private candidates to register between January 27 and February 21, 2025. Meanwhile, school-based candidates will sit their exams in November as per tradition.
Dr. Gikenyi claims this change violates students’ rights to education and fair administrative action. He contends that KNEC’s decision unfairly reduces preparation time and segregates candidates into different exam groups. His petition seeks an urgent suspension of the directive before the February 21, 2025, registration deadline.
Petition Highlights Economic and Educational Inequality
The petitioner argues that the policy creates financial hardship, especially for repeat and private candidates who must self-fund their exams. Kenya’s struggling economy, coupled with increased taxation, makes it difficult for many students to afford the costs. According to the petition, this move exacerbates educational inequality and limits opportunities for disadvantaged learners.
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Dr. Gikenyi also points out inconsistencies between KNEC and the Ministry of Education. While the Cabinet Secretary suggested that adult candidates “may” choose the July exams, KNEC’s guidelines make it mandatory. This contradiction has led to confusion among students and parents.
Urgent Appeal for Court Intervention
The lawsuit lists KNEC CEO David Njeng’ere, the Ministry of Education, CS Ogamba, and the Attorney General as respondents. The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA), the Kenya Private Schools Association, and the Kenya Parents Association have been named as interested parties.
Dr. Gikenyi warns that if the court fails to intervene, students will face irreversible consequences. He emphasizes that KCSE results play a crucial role in university placements, and an unfair process could negatively impact students’ futures.
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Additionally, the petition argues that the shortened registration period puts undue pressure on candidates, violating constitutional rights under Articles 10, 41, 43, and 73.
Key Takeaways
- The lawsuit challenges KNEC’s decision to introduce mandatory July KCSE exams for repeat and private candidates.
- The petitioner claims the move violates students’ rights and lacks proper public participation.
- Financial strain on self-funded candidates worsens educational inequality.
- Contradictions between KNEC and the Ministry of Education create uncertainty.
- The case urges the court to suspend the directive before the February 21, 2025, registration deadline.
This lawsuit raises significant concerns about fairness and access to education. Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the court’s ruling and its impact on the future of KCSE examinations in Kenya.
KNEC Faces Lawsuit Over Mandatory July 2025 KCSE Exams.
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