Three candidates registered for the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations have died in separate incidents, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has confirmed.
The deaths involve two candidates who succumbed to illness while the national examinations were underway and another who was reportedly murdered at her family home days before the written examinations began.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, Ogamba identified the deceased as Congestina Achieng’ of Alaru Central Mixed Secondary School in Rachuonyo West, Homa Bay County; Cornelius Kiplagat Rotich of Katebee Secondary School in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County; and Vivianne Adhiambo Owiti of Dhene Secondary School in Gem Wagai, Siaya County.
The announcement comes as more than one million candidates continue sitting their national examinations across the country.
The Education CS conveyed his condolences to the affected families, friends and school communities, describing the deaths as a painful loss to the education fraternity.
Congestina Achieng’ falls ill during examinations
According to Ogamba, Congestina Achieng’ fell ill while undertaking her examinations on Monday, November 2.
She was subsequently rushed to hospital for medical attention but unfortunately died while receiving treatment.
The circumstances surrounding her illness and the specific cause of death were not immediately disclosed by the Ministry of Education.
Her death has raised concerns about the welfare of candidates during the demanding national examination period, particularly the need for timely medical assistance when learners experience health complications.
The ministry has not indicated whether Congestina had any previously known medical condition.
Cornelius Rotich dies after sitting Mathematics paper
The second candidate, Cornelius Kiplagat Rotich, was a student at Katebee Secondary School in Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County.
Ogamba confirmed that Rotich sat his Mathematics examination on Tuesday morning, November 3, before his condition deteriorated.
He was taken to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he later died.
The Ministry did not immediately provide further details about the illness that led to his death.
His passing has also brought sadness to his school community, particularly because he had managed to attend and sit his examination before the medical emergency.
Vivianne Owiti reportedly murdered at family home
The third death involved Vivianne Adhiambo Owiti, a student at Dhene Secondary School in Gem Wagai Sub-County, Siaya County.
Unlike the other two candidates, Vivianne’s death was reportedly the result of a murder at her family home on Friday, October 30, 2026, just days before the commencement of the main written KCSE examinations.
According to the Education CS, police have arrested a suspect in connection with the killing.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any possible motive.
The Ministry has not provided further details regarding the suspect’s identity or the events leading to the alleged murder.
Her death has added another layer of concern to the ongoing examination period, with the education fraternity mourning the loss of a candidate who was expected to complete her secondary education.
Ogamba sends condolences to affected families
Following the announcement, Ogamba expressed sympathy to the families, friends and respective school communities of the three candidates.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I convey our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and respective school communities,” the CS said.
He also wished candidates receiving medical attention in hospitals and other health facilities across the country a speedy recovery.
The ministry acknowledged education and health officials for coordinating arrangements to ensure that candidates facing medical challenges could continue undertaking their examinations.
Security concerns force relocation of KCSE candidates in Moyale
In Moyale Sub-County, Marsabit County, candidates from two examination centres were relocated to safer locations following security concerns linked to clashes along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
The decision was intended to protect learners and examination officials while allowing the affected candidates to continue sitting their papers without unnecessary disruption.
Ogamba commended the relevant government agencies for coordinating the relocation and ensuring that the examination exercise continued.
The incident highlights the logistical challenges facing examination officials in areas affected by insecurity.
Thirteen candidates reported missing in Nairobi
The CS also raised concern over absenteeism, particularly in the Nairobi region, where 13 candidates had reportedly failed to turn up for their examinations.
He directed the Regional Education Director and police to locate the missing learners and establish the reasons behind their absence.
The ministry said it was working with relevant agencies to address emerging challenges and ensure that candidates were not unnecessarily disadvantaged.
Ogamba also confirmed that one person had been arrested on suspicion of attempting to interfere with the security of examination materials.
He maintained that the government had put in place enhanced measures to prevent examination leaks and malpractice.
Special arrangements for candidates in hospitals
The Ministry of Education has also confirmed that special arrangements have been made for candidates unable to sit their examinations at their registered centres because of exceptional circumstances.
As of November 2, seven candidates were receiving treatment in hospitals, while five others were in correctional facilities.
The arrangements are intended to ensure that such candidates are not denied the opportunity to complete their examinations because of circumstances beyond their control.
Education officials are coordinating with KNEC to administer examination papers at the appropriate facilities.
