Seven candidates sitting the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations have been hospitalised, while five inmates in correctional facilities are undertaking the national examinations under special arrangements by the government.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the Ministry of Education had put measures in place to ensure that all candidates are given an opportunity to sit the examinations, regardless of their circumstances.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, Ogamba said the Kenya National Examinations Counci had organised special arrangements to deliver and administer examination papers to the seven candidates receiving treatment in hospitals and the five candidates serving time in correctional facilities.
The arrangements are aimed at ensuring that no candidate is disadvantaged or prevented from completing the national examinations because of their current circumstances.
The Cabinet Secretary also disclosed that two examination centres in Moyale Sub-County, Marsabit County, had been relocated following insecurity caused by clan clashes along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
The decision to move the centres was intended to safeguard the security of candidates and examination officials while ensuring that the examinations proceed without disruption.
The 2026 KCSE examinations began on Monday, November 2, entering the compulsory large candidature phase after two weeks of assessments in elective subjects, including foreign languages, music and technical subjects.
According to the Ministry of Education, a total of 1,048,355 candidates are expected to sit this year’s examinations across 10,693 examination centres countrywidez
Ogamba further noted that the administration of the 2026 national examinations and assessments, which commenced on October 19, had largely proceeded smoothly.
The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment KPSEA was concluded on October 28, while the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment KJSEA was completed on October 30.
The Ministry commended candidates, contracted examination personnel and members of the public for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth administration of the national assessments.
At the same time, Kenyans were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected examination fraud or malpractice through KNEC’s toll-free numbers, 0800721410 and 0800724900.
Ogamba wished all candidates success as they continue with their examinations, urging them to maintain integrity and observe examination regulations.
