Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has described the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination as historic, with the number of registered candidates crossing the one-million mark for the first time since the examination was introduced.
A total of 1,048,355 candidates are sitting this year's examination, representing a 5.27 per cent increase from the 995,860 candidates registered in 2025.
Speaking on Monday after witnessing the opening of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examination container at Borabu Deputy County Commissioner's Office in Nyamira County, Ogamba said the record candidature reflects the scale of the national examination exercise and the need for effective coordination.
The main written papers commenced Monday, with candidates sitting English Paper One in the morning and Chemistry Paper One in the afternoon.
The examinations, which began on October 19 with oral, practical and low-candidature papers, are scheduled to conclude on November 20, 2026.
Ogamba said the examination is being administered in more than 10,000 centres countrywide, requiring close collaboration between the Ministry of Education, national administration, security agencies and examination officials.
He further noted that this year's KCSE is the second-last examination under the 8-4-4 education system, with the final cohort expected to sit the examination in 2027 as Kenya transitions to Competency-Based Education.
The Cabinet Secretary also raised concerns over the possibility of heavy rainfall and flooding during the examination period, following a forecast of above-average rainfall by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
He said the Ministry was working with KNEC, the Ministry of Interior and other agencies to monitor weather conditions and coordinate interventions to ensure candidates and examination personnel remain safe and that disruptions are addressed promptly.
On examination integrity, Ogamba warned against malpractice, including impersonation, collusion and possession of unauthorised materials.
He singled out mobile phones as a major threat, reiterating that candidates and examination personnel are prohibited from possessing or using them during examination sessions.
He said anyone found violating the regulations would face action in accordance with the law.
Ogamba acknowledged teachers, examination officials, security personnel, parents and guardians for their role in preparing candidates, wishing all learners success as they undertake the national assessment.
He added that the government remains committed to expanding opportunities for candidates to progress to universities, technical and vocational institutions and other pathways after completing secondary education.
