Over 1mn Candidates Begin KCSE Main Papers as CS Ogamba Warns Against Exam Malpractice

More than a million candidates have commenced the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) main written examination in Kenya, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba. The Education Cabinet Secretary warned against exam malpractice as candidates began the papers at various centers across the country.

This year, a total of 1,048,355 candidates are registered, marking the first time the KCSE candidature has exceeded one million. The exam, which is scheduled to run until November 20, 2026, started on October 19 with oral, practical, and low-candidature exams. Candidates tackled English Paper 1 in the morning and Chemistry Paper 1 in the afternoon during the opening ceremony.

The 2026 candidature represents a 5.27% increase from the 995,860 candidates who registered in 2025 and a 5.14% increase from the 965,172 candidates in 2024. The examination will be administered in over 10,000 centers nationwide, necessitating coordination between the Ministry of Education, national administration, and security agencies.

The final KCSE under the 8-4-4 education system is expected in 2027 as Kenya transitions to Competency-Based Education. Ogamba assured candidates with special needs that KNEC would continue providing necessary support during the examination period. The government is working with the Ministry of Interior and other agencies to minimize potential disruptions due to the rainy season, as per the Kenya Meteorological Department's forecast of above-average rainfall associated with El Niño conditions.

The CS warned against examination malpractice, emphasizing that impersonation, collusion, and possession of unauthorized materials are major concerns. He urged all stakeholders to uphold KNEC regulations and protect the credibility of the national assessment.