Ogamba assures Kenyans of flood contingency plans and tight security as KPSEA, KJSEA begin

The assessments began today, October 26, after rehearsals on Friday, October 23. Ogamba said examination materials had been secured in containers across the country, and that supervisors, invigilators and other examination officials had been prepared. The Ministry of Education, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), security agencies and other stakeholders have strengthened coordination to ensure the exercise runs smoothly, he said.

Heavy rains, flooding and impassable roads had been a major concern ahead of the exercise because they could disrupt the transport of materials or stop candidates from reaching their centres. 

Ogamba said the government had mapped flood-prone areas with the Kenya Red Cross, the Ministry of Interior and other agencies to identify where bad weather could interfere with the assessments.(Education News Kenya — https://educationnews.co.ke/news/ogamba-assures-kenyans-of-flood-contingency-plans-and-tight-security-as-kpsea-kjsea-begin)

The arrangements include measures to get materials to designated centres on time, with aerial delivery considered where necessary. The government has also strengthened coordination in areas with difficult terrain or other security and logistical challenges, so that candidates are not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.

The 2026 national assessment and examination season involves a record 3,634,846 registered learners and candidates, according to reports released at the start of the exercise. KPSEA assesses Grade 6 learners at the end of primary school, while KJSEA evaluates Grade 9 learners as they prepare to move to senior school, where the outcome forms part of the process that determines progression and placement in the available pathways.

Ogamba warned candidates, parents, teachers and examination officials against any attempt to compromise the integrity of the assessments. He said the government would not tolerate malpractice and that violations could attract legal consequences and other sanctions under the applicable regulations.

He also cautioned parents and the public against fraudsters who claim to hold papers in advance and demand money for them, calling such claims fraudulent. He urged anyone with information on people trying to sell purported papers to report them to the relevant authorities.

The CS asked parents and guardians to give learners encouragement and emotional support so that they approach the assessments with confidence, and urged candidates to stay disciplined, follow the rules and focus on showing the knowledge and competencies they have gained. Parents were also encouraged to ensure that learners report to their centres on time with the required materials and follow supervisors' instructions.

Ogamba commended KNEC, the TSC, the Ministry of Interior, the National Police Service, teachers and other stakeholders for their contribution to the preparations. He said the government remained committed to a credible and secure examination environment in which every candidate has a fair opportunity to show what they have learned.