The Kenyan government has assured candidates sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations of adequate security and a smooth administration of the national tests. This assurance comes as over one million candidates across the country begin their exams. The government has implemented various measures to ensure the security and integrity of the examination process.
According to Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, the Ministry of Education has put in place sufficient security measures to safeguard candidates and ensure the examinations are conducted without disruptions. He made these remarks during the dispatch of examination papers at the Deputy County Commissioner’s offices in Malindi. The PS commended centre managers and other stakeholders for their diligence and professionalism in ensuring a smooth examination process.
This year, a record number of candidates, exceeding one million, are sitting for the KCSE examinations countrywide. In Malindi Sub-County, 4,938 candidates are sitting the examinations in 24 examination centres, supported by three examination distribution centres to facilitate efficient administration. The large number of candidates has necessitated robust security measures to prevent any potential incidents.
Ololtuaa urged examination administrators, supervisors, and invigilators to strictly observe the regulations and guidelines issued by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). He emphasized the importance of adhering to these guidelines to ensure the integrity of the examinations. Additionally, he cautioned that mobile phones would not be permitted inside examination rooms for candidates or examination officials.
The government has warned parents against participating in or supporting examination malpractice. Ololtuaa urged parents to encourage their children to follow the rules and earn their results honestly. He also encouraged parents to take an active role in guiding their children and promoting honesty, discipline, and integrity throughout the examination period.
The KCSE examinations commenced on November 4, 2026, and are being conducted without any reported security incidents so far. The government’s efforts to ensure a secure and fair examination environment have been commended by various stakeholders. The smooth administration of the examinations is crucial for the candidates’ future academic and professional pursuits.
As the examinations continue, the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the security measures remain effective. The government remains committed to providing a secure and conducive environment for all candidates to complete their examinations successfully.
Key points
- Over one million candidates are sitting for the KCSE examinations countrywide.
- The government has implemented robust security measures to prevent examination malpractice.
- Parents are urged to promote honesty and integrity among their children during the examination period.
