12 KCSE candidates sent home after phones found at Machakos school

The students have already been sent home as investigations into the incident intensify, raising concerns over the possible implications for their academic future.

Anxiety has gripped Kitonyini Mixed Secondary School as the second week of KCSE theory examinations draws to a close.

Reports indicate that the 12 candidates were found with mobile phones within the school compound, prompting investigations by KNEC. It remains unclear how long the students had been in possession of the devices before they were discovered.

Machakos County Director of Education Titus Mbatha said KNEC was handling the matter, adding that examinations at the school were ongoing.

Sources claim some of the candidates had mobile phones inside the examination room, while others allegedly hid the devices in the school field and dormitories. Efforts to obtain an official account from the school's administration were unsuccessful.

Eastern Regional Director of Education Hajji Hassan, who presided over the opening of examination containers in Machakos on Friday morning, confirmed that investigations were underway.

Hassan said the details could not be disclosed while the matter remained under investigation, urging the public to allow the relevant agencies to complete their inquiries.

Meanwhile, Kalama Sub-County Education Officer Laban Siwili confirmed that KNEC had issued letters discontinuing the candidates from school.

Hassan, however, noted that candidates who had already been registered for the examinations were legally allowed to sit them.

The fate of the 12 candidates remains uncertain, with the incident potentially affecting their academic progression.

With the final KCSE examination under the 8-4-4 system scheduled for 2027, the candidates risk missing a critical opportunity to complete the curriculum if they are found guilty of examination malpractice.

KNEC regulations stipulate that candidates found guilty of examination malpractice may be barred from sitting any examination administered by the council for a period of up to three years.