Nairobi:Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that at least 1,048,355 candidates have registered for this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), marking the first time that the number of candidates has surpassed the one-million mark in the history of the 8-4-4 education system.
According to Kenya News Agency, this year’s candidature represents a 5.27 percent increase from the 995,860 candidates who registered in 2025. Ogamba highlighted concerns over exam malpractice, noting that impersonation, collusion, and possession of unauthorized materials remain threats to examination integrity. He particularly emphasized mobile phones as a significant threat.
Ogamba also expressed concerns about potential disruptions due to heavy rains and flooding, following a forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department predicting above-average rainfall during the October-December season. The Ministry of Education is coordinating with KNEC, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, and other agencies to monitor weather conditions and manage interventions as needed.
This year’s KCSE is the second-last under the 8-4-4 curriculum, with the final cohort scheduled to sit the examination next year as the country transitions to Competency-Based Education.
In Kisii County, at least six out of 44,822 registered candidates are set to take their KCSE exams in a correctional facility and a hospital. Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner Gladys Nyongesa stated that one candidate will sit for exams at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, while five others will do so at Kisii Main GK Prison. She assured strengthened security around examination materials to prevent leaks and early exposure.
Nyongesa urged vigilance among center managers and security officers to report suspicious activities and warned the public against unauthorized access to examination centers, emphasizing legal consequences for violations. The 2026 examination season, which began on October 19, will continue until November 20.
