Kenya: Three KCSE Candidates Die During Examination Period, CS Ogamba Announces

What the report says

Kenya’s Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said three candidates sitting the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams have died, with the cases involving illness and one reported killing. The announcement was made in Nairobi after the opening of a Kenya National Examinations Council examination container at the Kibra Deputy County Commissioner’s office. The ministry identified the students as Otieno Congestina Achieng’, Cornelius Kiplagat Rotich and Vivianne Adhiambo Owiti.

According to the report, Achieng’ from Alaru Central Mixed Secondary School in Homa Bay County became ill during the exams on November 2, was taken to hospital and later died. Rotich, a candidate at Katebee Secondary School in Uasin Gishu County, died at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital after finishing his mathematics paper. Owiti, from Dhene Secondary School in Siaya County, was said to have been murdered at her family home on October 30 before the exams began.

Ogamba expressed condolences to the families and school communities and said the ministry was also supporting candidates receiving medical care so they would not be denied the chance to complete the assessment. The report adds that officials were maintaining coordination with health facilities and education officers during the exam period.

The ministry also said it was monitoring security and exam integrity, including the relocation of candidates from two centres in Moyale Sub-County after clashes along the Kenya-Ethiopia border. Ogamba warned the public against people and online groups claiming to have exam papers and urged suspected malpractice to be reported to KNEC.