University Student Among 12 Arrested for KCSE Exam Malpractices
NAIROBI, Kenya — Twelve individuals have been arrested in connection with exam malpractices as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations entered their third day. The arrests, carried out across Nairobi, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, and West Pokot counties, include a university student who allegedly impersonated a Form Four candidate after being paid Ksh. 20,000. Authorities also apprehended invigilators, supervisors, and school officials suspected of facilitating cheating, highlighting ongoing challenges in safeguarding the integrity of national exams.
Incidents of malpractice were reported at Kenya Muslim Academy in Nairobi, Ugari Mixed Secondary in Migori, and Itumbe D.O.K Secondary in Kisii. Preliminary investigations revealed that in Nairobi, the university student collaborated with five invigilators, the centre manager, and a supervisor to sit for the exams on behalf of another student. In Migori, two Board of Management teachers, a centre manager, and a supervisor were detained for similar offenses. Meanwhile, in Nyamira, Chemistry Paper Two theory exams were leaked online before the scheduled exam, leading to the arrest of all invigilators and supervisors at Itembe D.O.K Secondary School and confiscation of 11 mobile phones found at the exam centre.
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting the credibility of the KCSE exams. We continue to warn Kenyans to allow students to sit for their exams. The papers are individualised with students’ photos, so impersonation attempts will be detected, he said. The arrests follow 27 previous detentions since the exams commenced nationwide and underline the persistent threat of academic dishonesty. Authorities have pledged to intensify monitoring, enforce strict security measures, and investigate all reported cases. The Ministry of Education warns that anyone caught engaging in malpractice will face prosecution, while schools are urged to ensure compliance with exam regulations to prevent further incidents.