Education Ministry Rules Out KCSE Exam Postponement Over El Niño Rains

The Ministry of Education has ruled out postponing the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations despite forecasts of heavy El Niño rains.

The Ministry said candidates across the country will sit their examinations at the same time, with contingency measures in place for areas that could experience flooding.

KCSE Exams Will Continue as Scheduled

A Ministry official said the national examinations cannot face delays because all candidates must take each paper simultaneously.

“The national examinations are zero-sum. They cannot be postponed and cannot be delayed,” the official said.

The Ministry issued the clarification during the 13th National Climate Outlook Forum in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 26.

Government Plans Alternative Exam Centres

The Ministry acknowledged that heavy rainfall could affect roads and make some examination centres difficult to access.

Officials said they have already mapped areas that could face disruptions and identified alternative centres where candidates can sit their examinations if necessary.

The government also plans to use air transport to deliver examination materials to locations that become inaccessible by road.

This year, officials said drones could also help deliver examination materials to affected areas.

Schools Told to Stock Food

The Ministry has also warned boarding schools to prepare for possible disruptions to food supplies during the examination period.

Schools will receive guidance on the food supplies they should stock before heavy rains intensify.

Officials said uninterrupted meals remain important because candidates will need to concentrate on their examinations throughout the period.

El Niño Raises Exam Concerns

The preparations come after weather authorities warned of an intensifying El Niño weather pattern.

The forecast points to heavy rainfall between late September and December 2026, raising concerns about flooding and transport disruptions during the KCSE examination period.

The 2026 KCSE examinations are scheduled to run between October and November.

Despite the expected weather challenges, the Ministry maintains that the examinations will proceed as planned.