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, Ogamba identified the deceased as Otieno Congestina Achieng’, Cornelius Kiplagat Rotich and Vivianne Adhiambo Owiti.
Candidates die after illness, murder
According to the CS, the three candidates died under various circumstances, including illness and murder.
Congestina, a student at Alaru Central Mixed Secondary School in Rachuonyo West Sub-County, Homa Bay County, fell ill while sitting her examinations on Monday, November 2, and was rushed to hospital, where she later died.
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“Regrettably, we have received the sad news of the passing of three KCSE candidates. They are Otieno Congestina Achieng’ of Alaru Central Mixed Secondary School in Rachuonyo West Sub-County, Homa Bay County, who fell ill during her examinations on Monday and later passed away in hospital,” Ogamba said.
The second student, Rotich of Katebee Secondary School in Turbo Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, died on Tuesday, November 3, at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital after sitting his Mathematics paper earlier in the day.
The third candidate, Vivianne, of Dhene Secondary School in Gem Wagai Sub-County, Siaya County, was reportedly murdered at her family home on Friday, October 30, ahead of the commencement of the national examinations.
Ogamba said a suspect linked to her killing has been arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
“Vivianne Adhiambo Owiti of Dhene Secondary School in Gem Wagai Sub-County, Siaya County, who was reportedly murdered at her family home on Friday, 30th October 2026. A suspect in connection with her death is currently in police custody as investigations continue,” the statement read.
CS Ogamba sends condolences
The Education CS conveyed the Ministry of Education’s condolences to the families, friends and school communities of the three candidates.
Ogamba also wished candidates receiving medical attention in various health facilities across the country a speedy recovery.
Over one million candidates sitting KCSE
The 2026 KCSE examinations commenced on Monday, November 2, and are scheduled to conclude on Friday, November 20.
This year’s examination is historic, with registration surpassing the one-million mark for the first time in Kenya’s history.
A total of 1,048,355 candidates are registered to sit the examinations across more than 10,000 examination centres nationwide.
The 2026 candidates are also the second-last cohort under the traditional 8-4-4 education system before the country completes its transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
