By Bramwell Omala.
A total of 1,048,355 candidates across Kenya have officially begun the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, marking the start of a nationwide exercise that will determine the academic progress of thousands of secondary school learners.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Monday supervised the opening of KCSE examination containers and the dispatch of examination materials in Nyamira County as the government rolled out the national examination exercise.
The exercise marked the official commencement of the 2026 written examinations, with examination materials being released under security arrangements designed to safeguard their integrity and ensure timely delivery to designated examination centres.
Ogamba’s presence in Nyamira provided an opportunity to oversee the examination distribution process and assess the preparedness of education officials involved in administering the national exercise.
Across the country, 1,048,355 candidates are sitting the examinations, which represent a significant milestone in their educational journey after years of secondary school learning and preparation.
The opening of examination containers and dispatch of materials form critical stages of the national examination process, requiring coordination between the Ministry of Education, examination officials, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
The government is expected to maintain strict oversight throughout the examination period to protect the credibility of the assessments and ensure candidates undertake their papers under fair and orderly conditions.
For the candidates, the commencement of the written examinations marks the culmination of years of classroom instruction, revision and preparation, as they seek to demonstrate their knowledge and compete for opportunities in higher education and future careers.
The nationwide exercise places renewed focus on examination integrity, logistical preparedness and the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure a credible 2026 KCSE examination process.