The 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations commenced in Kisumu County with 25,849 candidates registered to sit the national tests across 246 senior schools. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has assured candidates, parents, and stakeholders that measures are in place to safeguard the integrity of the examinations. KNEC Chairman Professor Julius Nyabundi gave the assurance after overseeing the opening of the KCSE examination container at the Kisumu Central Deputy County Commissioner’s office.
Professor Nyabundi witnessed the release of examination materials to centre managers and reported that the exercise had started smoothly, with all centre managers reporting on time and examination materials being issued as scheduled. He added that the council had not received any reports of examination irregularities since the start of the examination period. Nyabundi expressed confidence that the same standards would be maintained until the last paper.
The KNEC chairman urged centre managers to remain vigilant and uphold their responsibility to ensure the examinations are conducted fairly and securely. He said the success of the exercise would depend largely on the cooperation and commitment of centre managers, acknowledging the working relationship between the council, school administrators, and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
Nyabundi also noted that this is the second-last KCSE examination to be administered under the existing examination system, urging education officials and stakeholders to ensure a successful exercise as the country approaches the end of the KCSE cycle. He thanked centre managers for their cooperation and reminded them of their responsibility in ensuring the exams are conducted fairly.
Kisumu County Director of Education Magare Onduso said the county had made adequate preparations, with centre managers reporting in readiness for the examinations. Onduso confirmed that 25,849 candidates had registered across 246 senior schools, adding that education officials were monitoring the exercise to ensure candidates sat their papers without disruptions.
Onduso assured candidates, parents, and stakeholders that adequate arrangements had been made to prevent examination malpractice and protect examination materials. He said each school had been assigned two security officers who would remain at the institutions throughout the examination period and accompany examination materials during their return.
The officials expressed optimism that cooperation among education administrators, centre managers, security agencies, and examination officials would help ensure a smooth examination period. They urged all those involved to remain vigilant and comply with examination regulations to protect the credibility of the national tests.
Key points
- 25,849 candidates are sitting the KCSE exams in Kisumu County.
- The KNEC has assured stakeholders that measures are in place to safeguard the integrity of the examinations.
- The county has made adequate preparations, with centre managers reporting in readiness for the examinations.
