Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has confirmed the deaths of three candidates sitting the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, as the government intensifies efforts to safeguard examination integrity and address absenteeism in Nairobi.
Ogamba, who spoke on Wednesday at the Kibra Deputy County Commissioner's office in Nairobi County following the opening of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examination container, conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased candidates and their respective school communities.
The deceased are Otieno Congestina Achieng’ of Alaru Central Mixed Secondary School in Rachuonyo West Sub-County, Homa Bay County, who fell ill during examinations on Monday and later died in hospital; Cornelius Kiplagat Rotich of Kaptebee Secondary School in Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, who died at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on Tuesday after sitting his Mathematics paper; and Vivianne Adhiambo Owiti of Dhene Secondary School in Gem Wagai Sub-County, Siaya County, who was reportedly murdered at her family home on Friday, October 30th.
A suspect in connection with Owiti's death is in police custody as investigations continue.
Ogamba also expressed concern over student absenteeism in Nairobi, warning that the government was introducing additional measures to identify examination malpractice and curb irregularities during national examinations.
The Cabinet Secretary said the Ministry of Education was working closely with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to strengthen surveillance and detect examination-related offences.
He warned that candidates suspected of engaging in examination malpractice could be picked directly from classrooms by DCI officers as investigations into suspected irregularities continue.
The CS said the measures were intended to safeguard examination integrity, address absenteeism and ensure accountability among those involved in examination offences.
The 2026 KCSE examination commenced on Monday, November 2nd, with candidates undertaking papers in English, Chemistry and Mathematics, among others.
Wednesday's examinations included Chemistry Paper Two and General Science in the morning, followed by English Paper Three in the afternoon.
Ogamba said the examinations had generally commenced in an orderly manner across the country, although isolated challenges had been reported, including insecurity along the Kenya-Ethiopia border and candidates requiring medical attention.
In Moyale Sub-County, Marsabit County, security concerns arising from clashes along the Kenya-Ethiopia border prompted the relocation of candidates from two examination centres to safer locations.
The intervention enabled the affected candidates to continue sitting their examinations while ensuring their safety and that of examination personnel.
The CS commended government agencies for coordinating the relocation and facilitating the continued administration of the examinations despite the security challenges.
He further acknowledged education and health officials for making special arrangements for candidates undertaking examinations while receiving treatment in hospitals and other medical facilities.
Ogamba said the arrangements were necessary to ensure that candidates experiencing illness or unforeseen difficulties were not unnecessarily disadvantaged or denied the opportunity to complete their examinations.
He urged education officials at national, county and sub-county levels to remain vigilant and respond promptly to emerging challenges throughout the examination period.
The Cabinet Secretary also cautioned candidates, parents and members of the public against individuals and online groups claiming to possess examination materials, warning against circulating unverified information that could undermine confidence in the national examinations.
He encouraged members of the public with credible information regarding suspected examination malpractice or irregularities to report directly to KNEC through the toll-free numbers 0800 721 410 or 0800 724 900.
Ogamba reaffirmed the government's commitment to transparency, accountability and fairness in the administration of national examinations, saying every candidate must be accorded an opportunity to complete the examination without unnecessary disruption.
He said the Ministry would continue working with relevant agencies to monitor the exercise, address emerging concerns and protect the welfare and safety of candidates.
The 2026 KCSE examination is expected to continue under heightened surveillance, with authorities maintaining vigilance against malpractice and other irregularities.
