Authorities crack down on KCSE exam cheating in multiple counties

A series of exam breaches were detected at different schools on Tuesday, November 12 as officials work to protect the intergrity of the national exams. 

 In Baringo County, a police officer stationed at St. Mary’s Secondary School noticed suspicious behavior from a candidate during the Christian Religious Education (CRE) Paper 1. 

PC Samuel Nyamawi of the Salawa Police Post discovered that the candidate was hiding a Nokia C200 mobile phone between his thighs.

Despite initial resistance, the officer confiscated the device and discovered, via WhatsApp, a copy of the CRE Paper 313/1 questions and answers, which was being administered.

The candidate was then arrested and detained at the Salawa Police Post for further investigation.

A female invigilator at Ihya High School in Garissa County intercepted a malpractice case during the Islamic Religious Education Paper 1.

The candidate was caught with a Samsung phone, which was confiscated and handed over to Dadaab's Deputy Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) for further investigation.

Later that day, during a biology exam at Gedi Secondary School, officials acting on intelligence seized another candidate's mobile phone.

The devices are currently being examined to determine the scope of the breach.

Another incident was reported in Nandi County, where a possible leak of CRE Paper 1 was discovered on social media.

Authorities learnt that a photograph of the examination paper from Kamimei Mixed Secondary School was circulating online.

A coordinated team, including the Nandi County Commissioner, the County Police Commander, KNEC officials, and security personnel, quickly investigated and verified that the leaked paper corresponded to the examination being administered, confirming its legitimacy.

Following this, four people were arrested: the school's Centre Manager, Hudson Kavulundi; Supervisor Jacob Kimutai; and invigilators Kingston Kavita and Tom Ominde.

Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to face charges in Kapsabet court for their role in the leak.