Student Among Five Arrested in Baringo for KCSE Examination Malpractice.
In a recent crackdown on Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam malpractice, five individuals, including a student, were arrested in Baringo County for their alleged involvement in cheating.
This arrest is part of an ongoing effort by the Ministry of Education and law enforcement agencies to maintain exam integrity amid rising concerns of organized cheating.
The incident follows a larger crackdown at Kebabe SDA Secondary School in Kisii County, where 31 mobile phones containing KCSE exam questions and answers were seized.
Nineteen school officials, including teachers and the center manager, were suspended and have since recorded statements with police, aiding investigations into what Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos termed a “syndicate” undermining exam integrity.
Widespread Malpractice Cases Across the Country
Malpractice cases have surfaced in various regions across the country, with reports indicating a significant increase in recent weeks as the exams near conclusion.
Just nine days before the scheduled end of KCSE 2024 exams, widespread cheating has been reported.
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In Baringo, another case involved a candidate from St. Mary Secondary School, who was detained after being found in possession of a mobile phone displaying answers for the KCSE Chemistry Paper 1.
Similarly, Kamimi Secondary School in Ky County saw the arrest of four teachers, including the center manager, after an exam paper connected to a candidate was found circulating on social media.
Ministry of Education Vows Stern Action
Education CS Julius Migos has promised stringent measures to dismantle what he described as a cartel-driven syndicate attempting to manipulate KCSE results.
Migos assured the public that a comprehensive report detailing all incidents of malpractice would be released in the coming week.
The Ministry’s investigations, he stated, would expose the full extent of those involved, followed by prosecution of identified suspects.
“The investigations will reveal the extent of the cartels involved in this particular attempt, and upon conclusion, we will proceed with prosecutions to ensure justice,” Migos asserted, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the credibility of the national exams.
Additional Incidents of Concern
Elsewhere, in Garissa County, exam-related infractions were reported in two schools where multiple mobile phones were confiscated.
In Nyamira County, a troubling incident involved a Ministry of Education quality assurance officer, who allegedly slapped a student caught with suspected unauthorized materials, causing her to faint.
Police reports indicate that the officer found the student chewing what was believed to be crib notes and, in response, physically reprimanded her.
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Additionally, Migori County reported the tragic death of a candidate sitting her exams at Migori County Referral Hospital on Tuesday, casting a somber tone over the exam season.
The Ministry of Education’s enforcement efforts continue as it strives to maintain exam integrity and hold those engaged in malpractice accountable.
Student Among Five Arrested in Baringo for KCSE Examination Malpractice.
