The Ministry of Education has ruled out postponing the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations despite forecasts of heavy El Niño rains during the examination period.
Education officials said the national examinations must be conducted at the same time across the country and cannot simply be delayed because of expected weather disruptions.
The ministry, however, acknowledged that heavy rains could make it difficult for some candidates to reach their examination centres, particularly in areas affected by flooding and poor road conditions.
To address the potential challenges, officials said examination centres will be mapped to identify locations that could become difficult to access during periods of heavy rainfall.
Where necessary, authorities may consider moving examination centres to safer or more accessible locations to ensure candidates can sit their papers without unnecessary disruption.
The 2026 KCSE examinations are scheduled to begin on November 2 and run until November 20.
The ministry's assurance comes as weather experts warn of possible heavy rains between October and December, raising concerns about transport, flooded roads and access to some examination centres.
Despite the expected weather challenges, the government has maintained that preparations for the national examinations will continue as planned.
Officials are now working on contingency measures to ensure candidates, examination materials and officials can reach their designated centres when the examinations begin.
The ministry has therefore urged candidates, parents and schools to continue preparing for the examinations instead of expecting a change in the timetable.