The government has confirmed the arrest of more than 70 individuals linked to attempts to compromise the integrity of the 2025 national examinations, marking one of the largest exam-security crackdowns in recent years. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that at least 78 suspects were intercepted for their involvement in circulating KCSE and KJSEA exam materials online while candidates were still sitting the tests. The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny across examination centres, with security agencies instructed to tighten monitoring to protect the credibility of the country’s assessment system.
According to the Ministry of Education, the suspects were involved in various schemes, including sharing restricted exam content on social media platforms, operating paid Telegram groups, and colluding with candidates to provide answers. Seven cases of impersonation were also detected, with invigilators intercepting individuals attempting to sit exams on behalf of registered candidates. The crackdown follows weeks of intelligence-led surveillance by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), and other multi-agency teams deployed nationwide. CS Ogamba emphasized that the government would pursue all offenders to ensure that no student gains an unfair advantage.
The arrests have triggered strong reactions from education stakeholders who say exam integrity must be protected at all costs. Parents and teachers unions have welcomed the government’s swift action, noting that exam leaks undermine years of academic effort and erode public trust in national assessments. Candidates found guilty of involvement may face serious consequences, including cancellation of results and a ban from sitting national exams for up to three years. Meanwhile, security operations across the country continue to net suspects in unrelated crimes, including the recent arrest of two wildlife trafficking suspects in Nyahururu and stepped-up forest surveillance missions led by the Kenya Forest Service.
Going forward, the Ministry of Education has pledged to expand digital monitoring systems and strengthen oversight in examination centres to prevent future leaks. CS Ogamba noted that ongoing reforms—including improved storage protocols, enhanced coordination with security agencies, and the use of technology to track illegal online activities—will be central to safeguarding upcoming national examinations. With the 2025 exam cycle still underway, authorities maintain that vigilance will remain high to ensure fairness, credibility, and a level playing field for all Kenyan learners.