Three candidates in Kwale County will sit their national assessments while in prison after being convicted of robbery with violence, County Director of Education Ahmed Abdi has said.
The candidates comprise two Grade Nine learners from Matuga Constituency and one Grade Six learner from Lunga Lunga Constituency.
Abdi said the candidates had received counselling to prepare them psychologically for the assessments ahead.
Speaking to journalists at his office, Abdi said the education department was working with security agencies to ensure the candidates undertake their assessments in a safe and appropriate environment despite being in custody.
He said measures had been put in place to facilitate the examinations, although he did not provide details of the specific prisons where the candidates are being held or how the assessments would be administered.
The two Grade Nine candidates are expected to sit the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), while the Grade Six candidate will undertake the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
According to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) timetable, KPSEA is scheduled to run from October 26 to October 28, 2026, while KJSEA will take place from October 26 to October 30. The assessments will test learners at different stages of the basic education system.
The development comes as education officials coordinate the administration of national examinations and assessments across the country.
Ensuring that candidates can sit their papers under appropriate conditions remains an important part of examination administration, including in circumstances where learners cannot attend their usual schools.
In Kwale, the education department’s collaboration with security agencies is intended to facilitate the three candidates’ participation while addressing the practical requirements of conducting assessments in prison.
A similar issue arose during the 2025 KCSE examination period, when five candidates in Kwale sat their examinations in hospital. The arrangements had been made to accommodate the candidates, demonstrating how examination officials can make provisions for learners who are unable to sit their papers at regular examination centres.
The government has also highlighted the role of education in correctional facilities.
In August 2026, the State Department for Correctional Services outlined preparations for inmates to participate in national examinations, linking educational opportunities in custody to rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
However, the August announcement did not specifically identify the three Kwale candidates or confirm the arrangements being made for their assessments.
Abdi said the candidates had received counselling to prepare them psychologically, while coordination between education and security officials would help ensure they sit their respective assessments in a safe and suitable environment.
The candidates’ participation will depend on the arrangements put in place by the relevant authorities to facilitate the assessments while they remain in custody.
