Three candidates sitting the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations have died in separate incidents, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has confirmed.
In a statement on the progress of the national examinations, Ogamba said the Ministry of Education had received reports of the deaths and extended its condolences to the affected families, schools and communities.
One candidate from Alaru Central Mixed Secondary School in Rachuonyo West died after falling ill on Monday, November 2, and later passing away in hospital.
Another candidate from Katebee Secondary School in Turbo died at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on Tuesday after sitting the morning Mathematics paper.
The third candidate, from Dhene Secondary School in Gem Wagai, was reportedly killed at the family home on Friday, October 30. A suspect has been arrested and is in police custody as investigations continue.
The developments come as the 2026 KCSE examinations proceed across the country, having commenced on Monday, November 2, with papers including English, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Ogamba said the written examinations had generally started in an orderly manner, with monitoring teams deployed nationwide to oversee the process and address emerging challenges.
The Ministry is also working with health officials to make special arrangements for candidates receiving treatment in medical facilities to ensure they can sit their examinations without missing papers.
In Moyale Sub-County, Marsabit County, candidates from two examination centres were moved to safer locations following security concerns linked to clashes along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
The Cabinet Secretary also cautioned candidates and members of the public against individuals and online groups claiming to have access to examination materials, warning against examination malpractice and the circulation of unverified information.
Ogamba called on examination officials and other stakeholders to maintain professionalism, protect the integrity of the examinations and prioritise the safety and welfare of all candidates.
