A record 1,048,355 candidates are sitting the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, crossing the one-million mark for the first time since the national examination was introduced.
The examinations enter their third week today, Monday, with candidates scheduled to sit English (Functional Skills) Paper One, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by Chemistry Paper One from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Candidates taking the examination in Braille and those with hearing impairments will have their papers administered within the designated timeframes, while large-print candidates will also sit the examination.
The morning examination session will be followed by a break running from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., ahead of the afternoon paper.
As the examinations continue, the Ministry of Interior has warned parents and teachers against purchasing fake examination papers from fraudsters claiming to have access to leaked materials.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo cautioned parents and teachers against falling prey to individuals seeking to exploit anxiety surrounding the national examinations for financial gain.
Omollo maintained that examination papers cannot be leaked to the public before they are officially administered to candidates, warning that attempts to obtain such materials could have serious consequences for both learners and those facilitating the malpractice.
"As we do the national exams, I want to appeal to the parents and teachers not to fall into the trap of those who want to make money by lying to you that they will steal for you examinations. Because when you do that, you are not only ruining the life of our students but also yours as a parent or a professional teacher," Omollo warned.
The examinations are being administered across the country under the supervision of KNEC and the Ministry of Education to ensure adherence to examination regulations and the integrity of the national assessment.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba is expected to witness the opening of the KCSE examination container at Borabu Deputy County Commissioner’s Office in Nyamira County before visiting Nyansiongo Senior School to observe the administration of the examinations.
Meanwhile, KNEC Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Njengere is scheduled to officiate the distribution of examination materials at Starehe Deputy County Commissioner’s Office in Nairobi.
The two engagements are aimed at overseeing the secure handling and distribution of examination materials as the national examinations continue.
Candidates have been urged to observe examination rules, follow instructions from invigilators and remain focused as they progress through the remaining papers.
