When the 2026 results come out
The 2026 KCSE written papers ran from 2 to 20 November 2026. KNEC had not given a results date when we checked on 12 November. For the 2025 exam, the Education CS released results on 9 January 2026, and searches for “KCSE results” hit their yearly peak that week. Expect a similar window, and treat any “early results” link before KNEC's announcement as fake.
By SMS: 20076
- Open your messages app.
- Type your full KCSE index number.
- Send it to 20076.
- Wait for the reply with your grades. On release day the line is busy, so it can take a while.
Each SMS cost KES 25 for the 2025 results, on Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom. Make sure you have airtime before you send, and send it once. Every resend is another KES 25.
Online: results.knec.ac.ke
- Go to results.knec.ac.ke.
- Enter your index number and your name exactly as it was registered.
- Choose the exam year.
- Submit, then save or print the slip.
If the portal is overloaded, try later or collect the printed slip from your school. Schools receive them too.
What the symbols mean
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| X | Absent for one or more papers |
| Y | Results cancelled for an exam irregularity |
| P | Pending, usually a registration mismatch |
| W | Withheld while malpractice is investigated |
| U | Ungraded |
The fees that come next
Results day is also when the spending starts. The main payments:
- KUCCPS: KES 1,500 to apply for university or college courses, and KES 1,000 for a transfer. See KUCCPS fees.
- HELB: students placed in public universities and TVET colleges can apply for a loan and a scholarship. Start at our HELB hub.
- University fees: paid to the university's own account. See paying university fees with M-PESA.
Questions people ask
How do I check KCSE results by SMS?
Send your KCSE index number to 20076. Each SMS costs KES 25 and it works on Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom. That was the code and price for the 2025 results; KNEC confirms them at each release.
When will the 2026 KCSE results be released?
No date had been announced by 12 November 2026. The written papers ended on 20 November 2026. Last year the 2025 results came out on 9 January 2026.
Can I check KCSE results online for free?
Yes. Go to results.knec.ac.ke, enter your index number and your name exactly as registered, and pick the exam year. You only pay for data.
What does a Y on my KCSE result slip mean?
Results cancelled because of an exam irregularity. X means you missed one or more papers, P means pending, usually a registration mismatch, and W means withheld while malpractice is investigated.
Related
Sources
- Techweez, 9 January 2026: release of the 2025 KCSE results, the 20076 SMS and its cost, the portal steps and symbols.
- KNEC: KCSE, on the release of results and result slips.
- The Kenya Times (14 October 2026) and The Eastleigh Voice (2 November 2026): 2026 KCSE exam dates.