Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has named examination malpractice as the greatest threat to the credibility of national examinations, saying it disadvantages candidates who prepared honestly. He spoke on Monday 2 November 2026 in Nyamira County, after witnessing the opening of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) container at Borabu Sub-county.
What CS Ogamba said about exam malpractice
Ogamba listed impersonation, collusion and possession of unauthorised materials as the incidents that damage the integrity of the exercise. He singled out mobile phones.
Possession and misuse of mobile phones remains one of the greatest threats to the integrity of national examinations,’ he said, warning that candidates or examination personnel found with personal phones during exam sessions will be dealt with ‘in accordance with the law
He added that the government, through KNEC and its partners, has strengthened the security of examination materials, reducing the risk of leakage and early exposure.
KCSE 2026 at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| KCSE candidates nationwide | 1,048,355 (KNEC), the first time KCSE candidature has passed one million |
| Nyamira County | 23,403 candidates in 195 examination centres |
| Oral and practical papers | 19 to 30 October 2026 |
| Main written papers | 2 to 20 November 2026 |
| Session times | 8 am and 2 pm |
KNEC has barred phones for all candidates and examination officials inside examination centres during sessions. It treats any violation as examination malpractice. Teachers, supervisors and invigilators are covered by the rule, not only candidates.
KNEC has said its headquarters can monitor when each examination container is opened and locked. Centre managers collect KCSE materials twice a day, at 7 am and 12.30 pm, for the morning and afternoon sessions. KNEC has warned officials that opening the wrong packet for a session counts as malpractice.
Rains and floods: the contingency plan
The exams fall in November, when the country is expected to receive above-average rainfall linked in part to El Niño. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority’s outlook for October to December, issued on 26 August 2026, forecasts enhanced short rains.
Ogamba said flooding in some areas could affect access to examination centres and the movement of materials. The Ministry of Education is working with KNEC, the Ministry of Interior and other agencies to monitor the weather and coordinate responses. He said the priority is to protect candidates and examination personnel, deal promptly with any disruption and support affected candidates under KNEC arrangements.
KNEC and the relevant agencies will also give attention to candidates with disabilities, those who are unwell and those hit by emergencies during the examination period.
Parents: ignore offers to change KCSE marks
KNEC has warned that no individual can influence candidates’ scores in any national examination. It has dismissed text messages demanding payment for KCSE ‘upgrading’ as fake. Parents and candidates should get information only from KNEC’s official channels.
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Ogamba was joined by county and sub-county security teams led by Nyamira County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, and by officials of the County Education Office led by County Director of Education Joshua Kaga.
Ogamba thanked parents, guardians and the community for supporting candidates through their schooling. He said the government is committed to ensuring that the 2026 KCSE is administered fairly and that the effort of candidates, teachers and families is respected.