The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination centres in Moyale have been relocated due to security concerns. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated that the decision to relocate the centres was made following clan clashes along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, which raised concerns about the safety of students and examination personnel. The two centres were moved to a new location to ensure the security and integrity of the examination process.
The relocation of the KCSE examination centres comes as fighting between Ethiopia's Oromia and Somali regional administrations continues to drive civilians across the border into Kenya. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), up to 50,000 people have crossed into Kenya seeking safety, with women and children making up a large proportion of those fleeing the violence. The UNHCR has identified food, safe drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation, and healthcare as urgent needs among the displaced.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has warned that the influx of refugees is putting pressure on resources in Moyale, including food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare. The commission has called for increased support and assistance to be provided to the affected communities. Meanwhile, the 2026 KCSE examination began its compulsory, large-candidature papers on Monday, with 1,048,355 candidates sitting their papers in 10,693 centres across the country.
The ministry has made special arrangements for seven hospitalised candidates and five others in correctional facilities to undertake their examinations. Ogamba stated that the government was prepared to take measures to address any emerging challenges during the examination period. The national examinations and assessments began on October 19, with the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) concluding on October 28 and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) ending on October 30.
The KCSE examination is a critical milestone for students in Kenya, marking the end of their secondary education and determining their eligibility for higher education and employment opportunities. The examination is typically taken by students in their final year of secondary school, and its results have a significant impact on their future prospects. Ensuring the security and integrity of the examination process is essential to maintaining the credibility and value of the KCSE qualification.
Ogamba commended candidates, contracted examination personnel, and members of the public for supporting the administration of the examinations. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the examination process, and appealed to stakeholders to report any incidents or irregularities to the relevant authorities. The government has deployed an emergency team to Moyale to support the response with the Kenyan government and humanitarian organisations.
The situation in Moyale remains volatile, with ongoing clashes and humanitarian concerns. The government's decision to relocate the KCSE examination centres demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students and examination personnel. As the examination period continues, stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that the process is conducted fairly and securely.
Key points
- The KCSE examination centres in Moyale were relocated due to security concerns following clan clashes along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
- Up to 50,000 people have crossed into Kenya seeking safety from fighting between Ethiopia's Oromia and Somali regional administrations.
- The government has made special arrangements for hospitalised candidates and those in correctional facilities to undertake their examinations.
