Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba warned against malpractice as KCSE written examinations began.
Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba warns against exam malpractice as KCSE registrations pass one million for the first time.
More than one million candidates began their 2026 KCSE main papers on Monday, November 2. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba warned candidates and examination staff against malpractice as the written tests started.
This year, 1,048,355 candidates registered for the examination, taking KCSE candidature beyond one million for the first time. Ogamba said the figure represents a 5.27 per cent increase from 995,860 registrations in 2025.
He spoke after witnessing the opening of a Kenya National Examinations Council examination container in Nyamira County. The exercise took place at the Borabu Deputy County Commissioner’s Office.
KCSE main papers start with English and Chemistry
Candidates tackled English Paper 1 on Monday morning, followed by Chemistry Paper 1 in the afternoon. However, the examination season had already opened on October 19 with oral, practical and low-candidature assessments. The examinations will continue until November 20.
More than 10,000 centres across Kenya are hosting the examinations. The Education Ministry, national administration and security agencies are coordinating materials delivery and supervision.
Meanwhile, the 2026 cohort is the second-last to take KCSE under the 8-4-4 education system. The final cohort is expected to sit the examination in 2027 as Kenya transitions to Competency-Based Education.
Ogamba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to learners in both education systems. He also said KNEC would support candidates with disabilities, those who become ill and learners facing emergencies during examinations.
Ogamba warns against phones and examination malpractice
Ogamba said the government had strengthened examination material security through KNEC to prevent leaks and premature access. However, he identified impersonation, collusion and possession of unauthorised materials as continuing threats to examination integrity.
He also singled out mobile phones as a major concern during examination sessions. KNEC rules prohibit candidates and examination personnel from possessing or using personal phones during those sessions. Anyone who breaks the rules faces action under the law, he warned.
Meanwhile, Ogamba said the government was working with the Interior Ministry and other agencies to limit weather-related disruption. He cited Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts indicating possible above-average rainfall linked to El Niño conditions during October–December.
Those forecasts also pointed to possible flooding in some parts of the country. Ogamba said government measures would protect candidates and examination personnel while allowing a prompt response to weather-related disruptions.
He urged everyone involved to uphold examination rules and protect the assessment’s credibility. The CS also thanked teachers, examination officials, security personnel, parents and guardians for helping facilitate the examinations.
