NAIROBI, Nov 3 — KCSE 2026 candidates sit Mathematics Paper 1 on Tuesday morning and English Paper 2 in the afternoon, the second day of written papers for about 1.05 million candidates. Kiswahili follows on Thursday and the Chemistry practical on Friday, Nov 6, according to published Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) timetables.
By the 254.ke Newsroom.
What KCSE papers are on this week?
| Date | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Nov 2 | English Paper 1, 8:00-10:00 a.m. | Chemistry Paper 1, 2:00-4:00 p.m. |
| Tue, Nov 3 (today) | Mathematics Paper 1, 8:00-10:30 a.m. | English Paper 2, 2:00-4:30 p.m. |
| Wed, Nov 4 | Chemistry Paper 2 and General Science Paper 1 | English Paper 3, 2:00-4:30 p.m. |
| Thu, Nov 5 | Kiswahili Lugha | Kiswahili Insha |
| Fri, Nov 6 | Chemistry practical | None listed |
Teachers Updates and Arena Kenya both published this schedule on Nov 2. Neither gave times for the Thursday and Friday papers, and Teachers Updates said it could not check KNEC’s PDF, so candidates should confirm times against the printed timetable from their school.
How many candidates are sitting KCSE 2026?
A total of 1,048,355 candidates are registered across 10,693 examination centres, Arena Kenya reported, the same candidature we reported before the written papers began. That works out to roughly 98 candidates per centre. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba described the administration so far as “largely seamless”, according to Arena Kenya.
What is allowed in the exam room?
- Allowed: blue or black ink pens, a pencil for diagrams only, geometrical instruments, and a non-programmable calculator in specified subjects.
- Not allowed: mobile phones, wristwatches, smartwatches, notes, earphones and any device that can store text or communicate.
- Timing: exam containers open at 7:00 a.m. Candidates must be seated 15 minutes before each paper, and latecomers need a satisfactory reason for the supervisor.
- Staffing: one supervisor for every 200 candidates and one invigilator for every 20.
Arena Kenya reported that holding a phone in the exam room can lead to cancellation of results. Our earlier coverage of KNEC’s smart padlocks and phone ban has more on the security measures.
What happens after the first week?
Mathematics Paper 2 and Kiswahili Fasihi are due on Monday, Nov 9. Religious education, Biology and History and Government run through Friday, Nov 13, when the Biology practical is held, according to Arena Kenya. Geography, Physics, Business Studies and Agriculture are scheduled for Nov 16 to 19. The last paper is the Physics practical on Friday, Nov 20. Our full KCSE 2026 timetable covers the whole season.
FAQ
What time does KCSE start each day?
Morning papers start at 8:00 a.m. and afternoon papers at 2:00 p.m., per the timetable as published this week.
When does KCSE 2026 end?
On Friday, Nov 20, with the Physics practical.
Can a candidate use a calculator?
Only a non-programmable calculator without a cover, and only in subjects where it is permitted.
Where can I check the official timetable?
KNEC publishes timetables and guidelines at knec.ac.ke.
Sources: Teachers Updates (Nov 2, updated Nov 3), Arena Kenya (Nov 2). Schedule as published Nov 3, 2026.
