Four others who also drunk the chemical together with the Form four candidate, Philemon Kiprono, at Kaibos Secondary School were taken to Kapenguria District Hospital where they were treated and discharged.
The 18-year-old candidate in West Pokot County was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
County commissioner Peter Okwanyo said Kiprono drunk the chemical that Form Three students had prepared during a lab lesson.
Mr Okwanyo said he has sent officers to investigate the death that has left many in shock.
The school principal could not be reached on telephone for questioning.
