Basic Education PS Julius Bitok on Monday witnessed the opening of KCSE exam containers in Westlands, Nairobi, ahead of the commencement of theory papers for 996,078 candidates nationwide.
The PS also confirmed the tragic loss of 14 learners in the November 1 landslide incident in Elgeyo Marakwet, describing the situation as “heartbreaking.”
He assured that the Ministry of Education remains committed to supporting affected families and ensuring the continuity of education for displaced students.
Bitok emphasised that the Ministry has deployed personnel and resources nationwide to safeguard the integrity and smooth conduct of the exams.
KNEC officials have coordinated the deployment of invigilators, supervisors, and centre managers, alongside enhanced security measures, including smart digital padlocks on exam containers.
The Ministry affirmed that despite the challenges posed by natural disasters, Kenya’s national examinations will proceed in a secure and organised manner, providing every learner the opportunity to perform under equitable conditions.
Through the inspection at Westlands, PS Bitok underscored the importance of contingency planning, security oversight, and candidate welfare in national examinations.
The government has stepped up rescue and humanitarian operations in Elgeyo Marakwet county following devastating landslides and flash floods that have claimed 26 lives, left dozens missing, and displaced hundreds of residents.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku, together with his Interior counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen, on Sunday led a multi-agency team coordinating rescue efforts in the worst-hit areas.
The two assured affected families of the government’s unwavering support until normalcy is restored.
He noted that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, and the Kenya Red Cross were working around the clock in joint efforts to reach cut-off villages.
Basic Education PS Julius Bitok witnesses the distribution of KCSE examination materials to officials at the Westlands exam centre on November 3, 2025/HANDOUT.“We are dealing with a very dynamic situation. Roads have been destroyed, communication disrupted, and access to some areas remains difficult, but our teams are doing everything possible to save lives,” Murkomen said.
Mwaura acknowledged that the disaster had disrupted ongoing national examinations, with several schools either destroyed or converted into temporary evacuation centres.
However, he assured the public that the Ministry of Education had put in place emergency measures to ensure candidates in affected areas continue their exams without interruption.
He added that military helicopters would be used to deliver food, medical supplies, and other essential items to affected families.
The CS further assured residents that the government would cater for medical and funeral expenses and provide construction materials to help rebuild homes destroyed by the disaster.
