Kibabii University student arrested in suspected KCSE exam cheating syndicate

John Odhiambo Opiyo was arrested in Bungoma after investigators allegedly traced the sharing of examination papers to him. Police recovered a mobile phone suspected to have been used to circulate the papers.

The suspect is being held at Bungoma Police Station as detectives prepare an inventory of the recovered evidence.

Investigators also reported suspected examination malpractice in Garissa and Wajir, where efforts to identify those involved were ongoing.

The cases emerged as candidates sat their English and Chemistry papers, with Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba saying this year’s KCSE candidature had surpassed one million for the first time.

Speaking during the opening of an examination container in Borabu, Nyamira County, Ogamba said registrations had increased by 5.27 per cent compared with 2025.

He said arrangements were in place to facilitate the examinations across more than 10,000 centres. This year’s candidates form the second-last KCSE cohort under the 8-4-4 education system.

In Bomet County, three candidates sat their examinations in hospital, including a girl who delivered a baby on Monday morning, hours before taking her English paper.

Bomet Education Director Leornard Ngugi said the candidates were being accommodated at Longisa Mother and Child Hospital, Kaplong Hospital and Tenwek Hospital.

The candidate at Tenwek is a student from St. Albert in Migori County.

In North Eastern, authorities outlined security and transport arrangements to ensure examination materials reach centres facing logistical and security challenges.

Regional Education Director Mohammed Roble said materials would be transported by road where possible, with helicopters deployed in areas affected by insecurity. He also warned against examination malpractice.

Security was heightened at Hagadera, Ifo and Dagahaley refugee camps in Dadaab to support uninterrupted examinations.

Fafi Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Munga said a helicopter had been provided to deliver and collect examination materials along a route presenting transport challenges.

In Narok County, education officials raised concerns over the possible use of smartwatches to facilitate cheating.

County Education Director Peter Magiri urged school heads to provide wall clocks so candidates could keep track of time during the papers.

Meanwhile, candidates from Sessi and St. Mary’s Mixed schools in Moyale, Marsabit County, were relocated to safer examination venues following reports of insecurity along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

Education officials said the move was intended to protect candidates and allow them to sit their examinations without disruption.