The CS further said that the government, through KNEC and its partners, has strengthened the security of examination materials, significantly reducing the risk

Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba distributes KCSE papers at Borabu Sub County headquarters in Nyamira on Monday/ANGWENYI GICHANA

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba on Monday warned candidates and officials against cheating in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

Ogamba said mobile phones remain one of the greatest threats to the integrity of national examinations.

“ I therefore reiterate that candidates and examination personnel are prohibited from possessing or using mobile phones during examination sessions, in accordance with KNEC regulations. Any person found in breach will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” said the CS.

He made the remarks at the Borabu Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Nyamira County, where he witnessed the opening of the KCSE exams container. The examination will continue until F 20th November.

The main written papers opened with English Paper One on Monday morning, while Chemistry Paper One was scheduled for the afternoon.

Ogamba, however, noted that examination malpractice remains a concern, particularly through impersonation, collusion and possession of unauthorized materials.

“Such conduct undermines the 3 credibility of our examinations and disadvantages the many candidates who have prepared honestly,” said the CS.

For the first time in KCSE history, more than one million candidates have been registered. The 2026 candidates are 1,048,355, compared with 995,860 in 2025 and 965,172 in 2024.

The 2026 examination has further significance because it is the second-to-last KCSE examination under the 8-4-4 system of education, said the CS.

“The final cohort is expected to sit the examination in 2027, as the country continues its transition to Competency-Based Education. For many years, the 8-4-4 system has prepared generations of Kenyans who have contributed to the country in public service, business, education and many other fields. As we manage this transition, we remain committed to supporting learners in both systems,” Ogamba said.

On the possible disruption of the exams by the ongoing heavy rains, he said the Ministry of Education is working closely with KNEC, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and other relevant agencies to monitor weather conditions and coordinate interventions where challenges arise.

“Our priority is to safeguard candidates and examination personnel while ensuring that any disruption is addressed promptly and that affected candidates are supported in accordance with KNEC arrangements,” he noted.