Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has assured candidates that adequate preparations have been made for the 2026 national examinations, saying contingency measures are in place to address possible disruptions caused by heavy rains and flooding.
Ogamba said examination materials for the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), which begin on Monday, October 26, are already secured in containers across the country, awaiting distribution to examination centres.
Speaking during the 10th graduation ceremony at Thika Technical Training Institute on Friday, Ogamba said examination officials, including invigilators and supervisors, are prepared and rehearsals have already been conducted to ensure a smooth exercise involving about 3.5 million learners.
“This is among the biggest lot of candidates sitting for national exams involving about 3.5 million candidates. This needs strict logistical preparedness to ensure smooth flow and grant the candidates a better environment to sit for the exams,” said Ogamba.
Government prepares for possible examination disruptions
He added that the Ministry of Education has mapped flood-prone areas in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross, the Ministry of Interior and other agencies to identify regions where flooding or damaged roads could disrupt examinations.
Ogamba said the government would ensure examination materials reach centres on time, with aerial delivery planned where necessary to overcome access challenges.
He warned that candidates, teachers and examination officials involved in malpractice would face arrest and legal action, adding that candidates found guilty of examination irregularities could have their results cancelled.
To strengthen security, the ministry has introduced anonymised examination seals and colour-coded papers for selected subjects to curb leakages and protect the integrity of the examinations.
Government seeks improved offer to end lecturers’ strike
On the ongoing university lecturers’ strike, Ogamba said the government was working with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the National Treasury to improve its offer under the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
He said a previous proposal of Sh9.8 billion had been rejected by unions, prompting the government to assess their counterproposal and establish what could be afforded sustainably.
Ogamba said the government hoped to present an improved offer by Saturday, October 24, expressing optimism that the negotiations would resolve the impasse.
He urged lecturers to continue teaching as talks proceed, saying the government was committed to reaching an agreement and ensuring students do not lose more learning time.
A total of 5,241 trainees graduated after successfully completing their studies at Diploma (Level 6), Craft (Level 5) and Artisan (Level 4) levels.
The institution's management, led by Board of Governors Chairperson CPA Douglas Mathenge and Principal Mrs Hannah Mburu, reiterated that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is essential in promoting graduates’ self-reliance and competitiveness in the job market.
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