Kenya’s 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations entered a crucial phase on Monday, November 2, as a record 1,048,355 candidates began sitting their main written papers, marking the first time in the country’s history that KCSE candidature has surpassed the one-million mark.
The nationwide exercise, being conducted in more than 10,000 examination centres, represents a significant milestone in the country’s education sector and places increased responsibility on examination officials, teachers, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth, transparent and credible assessment process.
Candidates began the morning session with English Paper 1, while those registered for Chemistry proceeded to sit Chemistry Paper 1 in the afternoon.
According to the Ministry of Education, this year’s candidature represents a 5.27 per cent increase compared with the 995,860 candidates registered in 2025. In 2024, a total of 965,172 candidates sat the national examination, highlighting a steady rise in the number of learners completing secondary education.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba said the government had put in place adequate measures to facilitate the smooth administration of the examinations, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and uphold the integrity of the national assessment.
The written examinations are scheduled to run until Friday, November 20, following the commencement of the examination cycle on October 19, when candidates began sitting oral, practical and other low-candidature papers.
Government Tightens Security Against Examination Malpractice
With more than one million candidates participating in the exercise, examination security has emerged as one of the government’s major priorities.
Ogamba said the government, working through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and other relevant agencies, had strengthened security arrangements surrounding the handling, transportation and distribution of examination materials to minimise cases of leakage and early exposure.
However, the Education CS cautioned that examination malpractice remained a serious concern, particularly through impersonation, collusion and possession of unauthorised materials.
KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere has also issued strict instructions to examination officials, including prohibiting the possession and use of personal mobile phones during examination sessions.
Examination personnel have been directed to switch off their phones and secure them in lockable storage facilities outside examination rooms.
Candidates have also been prohibited from wearing wristwatches inside examination rooms, with centre managers required to provide wall clocks to help learners monitor time.
The measures are intended to strengthen supervision, eliminate opportunities for cheating and protect the credibility of the national examination.
Meanwhile, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has warned parents, teachers and other stakeholders against engaging fraudsters claiming to have access to examination papers.
He cautioned that individuals promising to leak or obtain examination papers in exchange for money were exploiting anxious parents and candidates, urging the public to report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
Government Moves to Address Weather-Related Disruptions
Beyond examination security, the government is also keeping a close watch on weather conditions as the country enters the October-December rainy season.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of potentially above-average rainfall associated with the anticipated El Niño conditions, raising concerns about flooding and accessibility in some parts of the country.
Ogamba said arrangements had been made to safeguard candidates and examination personnel, particularly in areas likely to experience heavy rainfall and other weather-related disruptions.
He maintained that the government would work with relevant agencies to address emerging challenges and ensure that affected candidates receive the necessary support.
The Ministry has also emphasised the importance of making appropriate arrangements for candidates with special needs, those who may fall ill during the examination period and learners affected by emergencies.
Second-Last KCSE Examination Under the 8-4-4 System
This year’s examination carries additional significance as Kenya continues its transition from the longstanding 8-4-4 education system to the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.
The 2026 KCSE cohort is the second-last group to undertake the examination under the 8-4-4 system, with the final cohort expected to sit the national examination in 2027.
The transition marks a major transformation in Kenya’s education landscape, shifting emphasis towards competency development, practical skills, learner-centred instruction and the identification of individual talents.
For thousands of candidates, the ongoing examinations therefore represent more than the completion of secondary education; they also mark an important stage in a changing national education system.
A Defining Moment for Candidates and the Education Sector
As the written examinations continue over the coming weeks, attention will remain focused on the conduct of the exercise, the security of examination materials and the ability of the government to manage the unprecedented number of candidates.
The record candidature also underscores the growing scale of national examinations and the need for continued investment in examination infrastructure, human resources and education administration.
Ogamba has commended KNEC, the Teachers Service Commission, school administrators, supervisors, invigilators, education officers, security personnel, parents and guardians for their contributions towards facilitating the examination process.
For the 1,048,355 candidates, however, the immediate task remains demonstrating the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their secondary school education.
As they face the remaining papers, the government has called on them to remain focused, observe examination regulations and avoid shortcuts that could jeopardise their academic futures.
With the examination period running until November 20, the successful administration of the 2026 KCSE will be an important test of the country’s capacity to manage large-scale national assessments while maintaining fairness, credibility and equal opportunity for every candidate.
