KNEC Chairman Julius Nyabundi oversaw the release of KCSE examination materials in Kisumu.
KNEC says the examinations have started smoothly as Kisumu prepares 25,849 registered candidates across 246 schools.
KCSE exams have begun in Kisumu County, where 25,849 candidates registered across 246 senior schools. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has assured stakeholders that safeguards are in place to protect the tests.
KNEC Chairman Professor Julius Nyabundi gave the assurance on Monday while overseeing the opening of an examination container. He also witnessed the release of papers to centre managers at the Kisumu Central Deputy County Commissioner’s office.
Nyabundi said all centre managers arrived on time, allowing officials to issue examination materials as scheduled. He added that KNEC had received no reports of irregularities since the examination period began.
KNEC urges vigilance during KCSE exams
Despite the smooth start, Nyabundi urged centre managers to remain alert and ensure fair, secure examinations. He said their cooperation and commitment would play a central role throughout the exercise.
The chairman also acknowledged cooperation between KNEC, school administrators and the Teachers Service Commission. He reminded centre managers that they now carried responsibility for safeguarding the examination process at their institutions.
Meanwhile, Nyabundi described the 2026 examination as the second-last KCSE sitting under the existing system. He therefore urged education officials and other stakeholders to maintain standards as the country approaches the end of the cycle.
He expressed confidence that officials would uphold examination integrity through to the final paper.
Two security officers assigned to each school
Kisumu County Director of Education Magare Onduso said the county had prepared adequately for the examinations. He also confirmed that centre managers had reported for duty and education officials were monitoring the exercise.
On security, Onduso said each school had two officers assigned for the examination period. The officers would remain at the institutions and accompany examination materials during their return.
He added that the county had enough officers to support the exercise and prevent malpractice. Security arrangements cover the movement of papers from collection at the examination container through administration and return.
Onduso also acknowledged that some candidates might face health challenges or hospital admission. County officials were compiling information on those cases as the examinations got under way.
However, he said the county had not encountered a serious issue requiring intervention at that stage. Both officials urged everyone involved to follow examination regulations and maintain vigilance throughout the testing period.
