A candidate sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, has died from malaria complications at a hospital in Mombasa. The incident occurred amid ongoing national exams that began on November 3, 2025. It follows a separate tragedy where 14 candidates lost their lives in a landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The KCSE candidate, who was from Kaloleni in Kilifi County, initially sought treatment at a private facility after falling ill. His condition deteriorated, leading to his transfer to Mariakani Sub-County Hospital in Mombasa, where he was receiving care for malaria. Tragically, he passed away there, as confirmed by Kaloleni Sub-County Police Commander Adan Ibrahim.
Ibrahim stated that the student's body has been taken to the hospital mortuary, awaiting collection by his family for burial in Mombasa, in line with Islamic rites. This death comes just days after the exams started on November 3, 2025, affecting thousands of students across Kenya.
The incident echoes a broader crisis triggered by heavy rainfall. In Elgeyo Marakwet County, at least 14 candidates were killed in a landslide, with floods and mudslides making roads impassable in several areas. The government responded by announcing plans to airlift examination materials to affected regions, including Elgeyo Marakwet.
Special provisions were made for impacted students, such as delivering exams to emergency centers and hospitalized candidates. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressed the disruptions, saying, “This tragedy has disrupted the ongoing exams. However, the government, through the Ministry of Education, has organised for the exams to continue uninterrupted."
He added, “For the affected schools, the exams will be airlifted and for the one student whose left hand was injured, they will do the exam in the hospital.” These measures aim to ensure the examination process remains fair despite the challenges posed by the weather and related incidents.