Private Exam Centers Risk Closure Over KCSE Manipulation or Malpractice, Says Ogamba.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, has urged the Judiciary to expedite the handling of cases against individuals arrested for malpractices in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
His appeal follows a string of recent arrests across Kenya, including Stephen Nyang’au Mbeche in Nyamira County, who is believed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to be managing a Telegram group that offers supposed examination materials for sale.
A trend has emerged on social media where groups exploit parents, students, and teachers by pretending to offer advance access to KCSE exam papers. These fraudulent groups demand payments, deceiving participants into thinking they will gain an academic advantage.
Ogamba emphasized the need for rapid prosecution to deter repeat offenders. He expressed frustration with prolonged investigations and court cases, which he believes result in the public forgetting the offences and encourage recurrence.
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He made these remarks while overseeing the distribution of exam papers in Lang’ata, Nairobi.
The Ministry of Education is considering closing private examination centres found engaging in malpractices. Ogamba stated that centres susceptible to manipulation might face closure as the Ministry aims to protect the integrity of the KCSE examination.
“In the event that those private centres are found open to manipulation or malpractice, we will recommend that they be closed going forward because there is no point in having a small group of people giving a bad name to the whole examination,” Mr Ogamba noted.
Applauding Examination Personnel
Acknowledging the dedication of those managing exams, Ogamba advised them to remain vigilant.
He noted that while most personnel uphold high standards, a few individuals tarnish the process by commercializing it. He urged officials to adhere strictly to examination guidelines to preserve the sector’s credibility.
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Private Exam Centers Risk Closure Over KCSE Manipulation or Malpractice, Says Ogamba.
