KCSE Rehearsals to Proceed on Friday Despite Public Holiday, Ministry Confirms
The Ministry of Education has confirmed that Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination rehearsals will proceed on Friday, October 17, despite the day being declared a public holiday to honour the late opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The rehearsals are scheduled to take place before the KCSE exams officially begin on Monday, October 20, 2025, with French (Oral), German (Oral), Arabic (Oral), and Kenya Sign Language (Practical) papers.
The confirmation comes amid national preparations for Raila Odinga’s burial arrangements and a State-declared holiday in his honour. However, the Ministry stated that examination activities fall under essential national functions and therefore cannot be suspended.
School heads are expected to ensure that all candidates report for rehearsals by 8:00 a.m. on Friday, as the sessions will be crucial for verifying index numbers, examination rooms, and candidate materials.
According to the Ministry, candidates and invigilators will have access to examination centres, with necessary security and logistical support provided by local authorities, despite the public holiday.
The 2025 KCSE examinations will run until November 21, marking the culmination of the 2025 academic calendar for Form Four candidates. Results are expected to be released before the end of the year to allow for a timely transition to universities and colleges.
