Five Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) candidates in Kwale County are sitting their examination in hospital due to illness.
Kwale County Director of Education Ahmed Abdi confirmed the affected three boys and two girls are being closely monitored and that arrangements have been made to ensure they complete their examinations without disruption.
“The students are under medical care but are continuing with their exams smoothly. We are ensuring that all candidates, regardless of their condition, get a fair opportunity to sit their papers,” said Abdi.
The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations are proceeding smoothly across Kwale County, with a total of 11,757 candidates sitting for the tests expected to end on November 21.
According to county education officials, the exams have so far been conducted without any major incidents or cases of irregularities. Notably, no cases of pregnancy have been reported among the candidates this year.
He praised invigilators, security officers, and supervisors for their close coordination, which he said has helped maintain transparency and integrity in the ongoing exams.
Abdi further noted that this year’s candidate enrolment increased significantly compared to previous years.
He attributed the rise to enhanced community mobilisation, active involvement of local chiefs and education officers, and the support of scholarships and bursaries targeting needy students.
“The capitation for learners has risen from 30 per cent to 95 per cent since the introduction of the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), which has greatly improved accountability and student retention,” he explained.
He also cited various interventions that have motivated learners to remain in school, including Ramadhan food distribution, community-based support, and scholarship opportunities for high-performing students.
“Some learners who had lost hope have been given a second chance through community support. Even during Ramadhan, I personally gift students with dates to encourage them. Such gestures have made a big difference,” said Abdi.
The education director lauded the contribution of women’s groups in promoting girls’ education, observing that the absence of pregnancy cases among this year’s candidates is a testament to the success of these initiatives.
Despite the ongoing heavy rains and floods in some areas, Abdi reported that the weather has not disrupted examination activities this year as it did in the past.
He commended the resilience of schools, especially Kwale High School, whose performance has inspired many learners to stay focused.
Education officials revealed that 95 per cent of all enrolled candidates have successfully turned up for the examinations, a marked improvement from previous years.
Meanwhile, Abdi urged parents and former students to collect academic certificates from schools to enable them to pursue further education or employment opportunities.
“We encourage parents to pick up certificates for their children who completed earlier. For current candidates, I urge them to stay calm and confident and give their best in the remaining papers,” he said.
By Sharon Ndila and Rachael Nzioki
