Mombasa: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for learners moving to Senior Secondary School under the Competency Based Education (CBE) system. Speaking during the official opening of the national examination container at Kisauni Sub-County DCC office, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS), Julius Ogamba, who was accompanied by the Director General Basic Education, Dr. Elyas Abdi Jillaow, and the Coast Regional Director of Education (RDE), Ann Kiilu, stated that the Ministry is fully prepared to facilitate the transition of the pioneer Grade 9 learners who completed the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) last week.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government remains committed to ensuring that the transition to Senior School in 2026 is smooth, well-planned, adequately supported, and aligned with their goal of equipping young Kenyans with the knowledge, skills, and values required for the 21st century. The CS reiterated that school fees for learners progressing to Senior Secondary will not be increased, emphasizing the government’s focus on strengthening access and equity in education.
The CS highlighted that the progression to Grade 10 in 2026 marks a significant turning point in the education journey, where emphasis shifts from rote memorisation to problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and character formation. CS Ogamba commended teachers, centre managers, security officers, and education officials for their continued role in managing examinations and supporting reforms in the education sector.
He noted that the success of the ongoing education reforms depends on the collaboration of all stakeholders. The CS affirmed that the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, now entering the third week, are progressing well across the country. He wished all candidates success as they complete their examinations and applauded the professionalism of teachers, invigilators, and security personnel who continue to safeguard the credibility of this national exercise.
The CS further reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice. He mentioned that while most schools have conducted examinations in accordance with regulations, a few isolated cases of early exposure and digital device misuse have been reported and are under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Several suspects have been arrested, and some centre managers replaced. Examination malpractice will not be tolerated as it undermines fairness and devalues the achievements of honest candidates.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has also cautioned the public against individuals posing as council officers and soliciting bribes. Migosi urged centre managers and the public to report such cases through official hotlines, emphasizing that genuine KNEC officers do not solicit or accept bribes and that vigilance from all education stakeholders is key to preserving examination credibility.
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with KNEC and the Ministry of Interior, has activated contingency measures to address challenges posed by heavy rains and flooding in parts of the country. Alternative routes and emergency support have been deployed to ensure no candidate is left behind. CS Ogamba assured that they remain alert to any circumstances that may disrupt the smooth conduct of examinations and that teams are on the ground to guarantee that all candidates sit for their papers regardless of weather or location.
He also pledged continued collaboration with county governments, private institutions, and development partners to enhance school infrastructure, teacher capacity, and learner welfare. Addressing concerns about alleged ghost schools, the CS clarified that the Auditor General’s report was based on a verification exercise that is still ongoing. Ogamba stated that the Ministry launched a comprehensive audit on September 5 to verify all schools, their enrolment numbers, and gender distribution.
The CS added that about 9,990 schools were under review and that the final verified data would be made public once the exercise concludes this week. He assured that the Ministry will provide Parliament and the public with the verified information once the analysis is finalised, reiterating that transparency, accountability, and data accuracy remain central to government policy in managing the education sector.
