621 Candidates from 198 Examinations Centres Involved in Malpractice, Says Ogamba.
The Ministry of Education has documented 621 incidents of examination malpractice following the completion of the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.
These cases, currently under investigation, were reported in 198 out of 10,754 examination centres across the country.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that the malpractices involved candidates and supervisors found with unauthorised items, including mobile phones, written materials, and instances of collusion and impersonation.
The violations included candidates sharing images of exam papers on social media. Out of 965,501 candidates, 621 were implicated, representing 0.064% of the total number. Additionally, the affected centres accounted for 1.841% of all examination centres nationwide.
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The Education CS indicated that investigations into the reported malpractices are underway, with plans for strict disciplinary actions against those found culpable. He emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of national examinations.
Increase in Examiners and Special Cases During Exams
Ogamba highlighted an increase in the number of contracted examiners to 32,800, up from 29,876 in 2023, to facilitate timely and accurate marking.
Notably, 28 candidates were reported to have taken their exams in hospitals, and incidents of deaths among candidates were also recorded during the examination period.
Cases of examination cheating have been prevalent since the KCSE began earlier this month. Arrests of candidates, teachers, supervisors, and centre managers have been reported nationwide.
In Nakuru, a 23-year-old graduate, Collins Kipchumba Kemboi, was arrested for allegedly selling KCSE exam papers online. In Baringo County, five individuals, including a candidate, were apprehended for engaging in examination malpractice.
Notable Arrests of Teachers and Managers
Significant cases involved 19 teachers from Kebabe SDA Secondary School in Kisii County, who recorded statements after 34 mobile phones containing exam-related questions and answers were discovered on the school premises. The implicated teachers, including the centre manager, were subsequently suspended.
In Siaya County, 13 teachers from Nyamninia Secondary School were arrested and arraigned for examination malpractice. They were released on a bond of Ksh.100,000 with a surety of a similar amount or an alternative cash bail of Ksh.20,000.
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Elsewhere, in Marsabit, an exam supervisor was detained for allegedly possessing copies of KCSE exam papers. In Homa Bay County, 10 teachers from Pala Masogo Secondary School faced charges of exam malpractice and were each issued a bond of Ksh.2 million with a similar surety.
Despite these challenges, the Education CS commended all stakeholders involved in the examination process for their efforts in ensuring a seamless administration of the 2024 KCSE exams.
621 Candidates from 198 Examinations Centres Involved in Malpractice, Says Ogamba.
