Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba says at least 1,048,355 candidates registered for this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education crossing the one-million mark in the history of the 844 system of education.

Ogamba noted the candidature represented an increase of 5.27 percent up from 995,860 candidates registered in 2025.

He pointed out that exam malpractice remained a concern, saying that impersonation, collusion and possession of unauthorized materials were some of the threats to examination integrity.

“Mobile phones remain one of the greatest threats to the integrity of national examinations,” Ogamba said.

The CS also expressed concern over heavy rains and flooding that could disrupt the exams, following a Kenya Meteorological Department forecast of above-average rainfall in most parts of the country during the October-December season.

He said the Ministry of Education was working with KNEC, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and other relevant agencies to monitor weather conditions and coordinate interventions where necessary.

This year’s KCSE is the second-last examination under the 8-4-4 curriculum, with the final cohort expected to sit the examination next year, even as the country transitions to Competency-Based Education.

Meanwhile, in Kisii country at least six candidates out of 44,822 registered are set to sit for their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in a correctional facility and hospital.

Speaking after witnessing the distribution of Examination papers at the County Commissioner’s Office in Kisii town, Kisii Central Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Gladys Nyongesa, said one candidate will sit for their papers at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, while five others will undertake their exams at the Kisii Main GK Prison.

“Out of the 44,822 registered candidates, 22,404 are male and 22,418 are female and they are scheduled to sit English Paper 1 in the morning and Chemistry Paper 1 in the afternoon,” Nyongesa noted.

She assured the parents that the government had strengthened security around the examination materials to minimise leakage and early exposure.

The DCC urged the Center managers and security officers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities within the examination centers.

Nyongesa also cautioned the public against assessing the examination centers, saying that anyone found violating the exam regulations will face action in accordance with the law.

The 2026 examination season began on October 19 with oral and practical papers and will continue until November 20.

Speaking separately after witnessing the opening of an examination container at the Borabu Deputy County Commissioner’s Office in Nyamira County.

By Mercy Osongo