More than one million candidates have commenced the main written papers of Kenya’s 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba warning candidates and examination officials against malpractice.
A total of 1,048,355 candidates registered for this year’s examination, marking the first time the national secondary school examination has recorded more than one million candidates.
Ogamba made this known on Monday after witnessing the opening of a Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) examination container at the Borabu Deputy County Commissioner’s Office in Nyamira County. He described the commencement of the written papers as a significant milestone for candidates, their families and teachers.
The 2026 examination season began on October 19 with oral, practical and low-candidature examinations, while the main written papers commenced on Monday with English Paper 1 in the morning and Chemistry Paper 1 in the afternoon. The examination is scheduled to end on November 20.
According to Ogamba, this year’s candidature represents a 5.27 per cent increase from the 995,860 candidates registered in 2025, while 965,172 candidates sat the examination in 2024.
The examination is being conducted in more than 10,000 centres across Kenya, requiring coordination among the Ministry of Education, national administration and security agencies to ensure the safe distribution of examination materials and effective supervision.
Ogamba noted that the 2026 KCSE is the second-to-last examination under Kenya’s 8-4-4 education system, with the final cohort expected to sit the examination in 2027 as the country completes its transition to Competency-Based Education (CBE).
He also assured candidates with special needs that KNEC would continue to provide necessary support to learners with disabilities, those who fall ill and candidates affected by emergencies during the examination period.
On preparedness, the Education Cabinet Secretary said the government was working with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant agencies to prevent disruptions arising from the October-to-December rainy season. He cited forecasts by the Kenya Meteorological Department indicating the possibility of above-average rainfall associated with El Niño conditions, including flooding in some areas.
He said measures had been introduced to protect candidates and examination personnel and ensure that any disruption caused by adverse weather conditions was addressed promptly.
The government has also strengthened security arrangements around examination materials to prevent leakage, early exposure and other forms of malpractice. However, Ogamba identified impersonation, collusion and possession of unauthorised materials as continuing threats to examination integrity.
He specifically warned against the possession or use of mobile phones by candidates and examination personnel during examination sessions, stressing that anyone found violating KNEC regulations would face the consequences prescribed by law.
Ogamba called on all stakeholders to comply with examination regulations and protect the credibility of the national assessment. He also commended KNEC, the Teachers Service Commission, teachers, centre managers, supervisors, invigilators, education officers, security personnel, parents and guardians for their contributions to the successful conduct of the examination.
The commencement of the main written papers comes as Kenya prepares to conclude the 8-4-4 education system and complete its transition to the Competency-Based Education curriculum.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.