KILIFI, Kenya — A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate from St. George’s Secondary School in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, has died while receiving treatment for malaria, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The student, identified as Juma Mohamed, passed away at Mariakani Sub-County Hospital, where he had been admitted after his condition worsened. According to a police report from Mariakani Police Station, Mohamed was diagnosed with malaria and was undergoing treatment when he succumbed to the illness.
Reports indicate that the candidate, who hailed from Mombasa, had first sought treatment at Bombolulu Hospital, a private facility in Kaloleni, before being transferred to the government hospital for advanced care.
Confirming the incident, Kaloleni Sub-County Police Commander Adan Ibrahim said the student’s body was released to his family and transported to Mombasa for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
“The family has already collected the body, and burial arrangements have been completed as per Muslim traditions,” Ibrahim said.
The tragic incident comes as thousands of students across Kenya continue sitting for the KCSE examinations, which began earlier this week under tight supervision by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
Education officials in Kilifi expressed condolences to the family, describing the death as a heartbreaking loss at a crucial time for the candidate and his peers.
The Ministry of Education has since urged schools and examination centres to remain vigilant about students’ health and ensure immediate medical attention for any candidates who fall ill during the examination period.
