A family in Kanyaliech village, Koyugi area, Homa Bay County, is in mourning after their Form Four student, Congestina Achieng, of Alaro Central Secondary School, died suddenly on November 3, 2026. She passed away hours after taking two papers of the KCSE exam. According to her father, David Ogweno, Congestina started experiencing severe chest pain and was rushed to Tamary Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Congestina's parents and teachers described her as a disciplined, humble, and dedicated student. Her teachers, Isaiah Opere and Austine Achina, said she was a quiet and well-behaved student who had never been punished for indiscipline. Her parents revealed that she had been experiencing health issues since the previous week but was expected to recover and continue with her exams.
The family had been facing financial challenges, with Congestina's father working as a casual laborer. Her mother, Pamela Atieno, said Congestina had been looking forward to taking the KCSE exam, which she hoped would be a stepping stone to achieving her dreams. Congestina had aspired to become a lawyer to help her family overcome poverty.
The sudden death of Congestina has sent shockwaves to her family, school, and community. Her death has also dashed her dreams of pursuing higher education and creating a better life for herself and her family. The KCSE exam is a significant milestone in the Kenyan education system, and students who perform well are often considered for university admission and scholarships.
The incident has also raised concerns about the health and well-being of students taking exams. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has put in place measures to ensure students' safety during exams, but incidents like this one have raised questions about the adequacy of these measures.
The education sector has been hit by several incidents of students and teachers experiencing health issues during exams. In recent years, there have been reports of students collapsing or dying during exams due to various reasons, including stress, health conditions, and inadequate medical care.
The government has been urged to investigate the circumstances surrounding Congestina's death and provide support to her family. The incident has also sparked a conversation about the need for schools and the government to provide adequate medical care and support to students during exams.
Key points
- A Kenyan high school student, Congestina Achieng, died suddenly on November 3, 2026, after taking two papers of the KCSE exam.
- The student had been experiencing health issues since the previous week but was expected to recover and continue with her exams.
- The incident has raised concerns about the health and well-being of students taking exams and the need for adequate medical care and support.
