Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has confirmed the deaths of three candidates sitting the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Ogamba identified the deceased as Congestina Achieng’ of Alaru Central Mixed Secondary School in Rachuonyo West, Homa Bay County; Cornelius Kiplagat Rotich of Katebee Secondary School in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County; and Vivianne Adhiambo Owiti of Dhene Secondary School in Gem Wagai, Siaya County.
According to the CS, Congestina fell ill while sitting her examinations on Monday, November 2, and was rushed to hospital, where she later died.
Cornelius, on the other hand, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital after sitting his Mathematics examination earlier that morning.
The third candidate, Vivianne Adhiambo Owiti, was reportedly killed at her family home on Friday, October 30, ahead of the commencement of the national examinations. A suspect linked to her death has been arrested and is in police custody as investigations continue.
Ogamba conveyed the Ministry of Education's condolences to the families, friends and respective school communities of the three candidates.
Meanwhile, the CS disclosed that candidates from two examination centres in Moyale Sub-County, Marsabit County, had been relocated to safer locations following security concerns linked to clashes along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
He also cautioned candidates, parents and members of the public against individuals and online groups claiming to possess KCSE examination materials, urging anyone with information about suspected examination malpractice to report directly to KNEC.
The 2026 KCSE examinations commenced on November 2, with 1,048,355 candidates registered across the country.
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