KCSE: Three deaths, arrest, absenteeism reported across the country
Education CS Julius Ogamba opens a box containing examination papers during the distribution of KCSE examination materials at Kibera DCC offices in Nairobi on November 4, 2026.
As the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) enters its third day of the main written papers (theory), the government has reported a successful process for administering the examination papers, as well as sealing loopholes that could lead to leaks.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said that with the security measures put in place, including the serialisation of papers and the use of smart padlocks, the country can rest assured that the examinations are safe.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that the few cases of emerging challenges have been reported, and that the government is working closely with the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and other relevant agencies to address them on time without unnecessary disruption to candidates,” Mr Ogamba said.
Education CS Julius Ogamba addressing police officers during the distribution of KCSE examination materials at Kibera DCC offices in Nairobi on November 4, 2026.
He was speaking on Wednesday when he witnessed the distribution of the examination materials at the Kibra Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) office. He announced that since Monday, it had been reported that three KCSE candidates had died, one arrest had been made, and some candidates had not shown up for the tests.
“The relevant government agencies have continued to respond to these situations, including making special arrangements for affected candidates, to minimise disruptions and ensure continuity in the administration of the examinations,” Mr Ogamba said.
The three candidates who lost their lives include Otieno Congestina Achieng’ of Alaru Central Mixed Secondary School in Rachuonyo West Sub-County, Homa Bay County, who the CS said fell ill during her examinations on Monday and later passed away in hospital.
Cornelius Kiplagat Rotich of Katebee Secondary School in Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, died at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on Tuesday after sitting for his morning mathematics paper.
While a student at Dhene Secondary School in Gem Wagai Sub-County, Siaya County, Vivianne Adhiambo Owiti was reported to have been murdered at her family home on Friday last week, and the suspect in connection with her death is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I convey our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and respective school communities. I also wish all candidates receiving treatment in medical facilities across the country a speedy recovery.”
The CS stated that the security situation in Moyale, coupled with security concerns stemming from clashes along the Kenya–Ethiopia border, necessitated relocation of candidates from two examination centres to safer locations.
According to the CS, this enabled the affected candidates to continue taking their examinations while ensuring their safety and that of the examination personnel.
Regarding absenteeism, the CS expressed concern about thirteen missing candidates in the Nairobi region, directing the Regional Education Director and the police to locate the missing students and establish why they did not sit their exams.
The CS also reiterated that maximum security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of the examination papers, from the containers to the classrooms. They also confirmed that mobile phones would not be permitted in the examination rooms.
“If someone has gone into a room with a phone and has taken a photo of the paper or the script, because of the anonymous indicators in the script, we are able to tell almost immediately that it was this student, this room, in this center.”
He also said that one person has been arrested for being suspected of attempting to interfere with the safety of the examination papers.
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