KCSE EXAMINATIONS SECURITY TIGHTENED

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that at least five people have been arrested in Nairobi and other parts of the country for allegedly impersonating candidates in the ongoing KCSE examination.
While officially opening the examination container at the office of Dagoretti Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner on Wednesday morning, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba condemned the incidents as a 'foolish act'.

He said the trend undermines the integrity of the national examination process and jeopardises students’ futures.“It is regrettable that a few individuals have attempted to engage in examination malpractice despite repeated warnings,” said Ogamba.

“For instance, there are situations in Nairobi and other parts of the country where five or so people were arrested impersonating as students. When we have indicated very clearly that this year’s examination scripts are individualised in the sense that there is an actual photo of the student on the script.”

In response, the CS warned that any individuals, teachers and officials found implicated in such schemes face deregistration and criminal charges. He cautioned that the ministry would not allow anyone to 'sabotage the future of our children or the global reputation of our national certification system'.

According to CS Ogamba, a multi-agency security team has been deployed across the country to secure the examination materials while ensuring accountability in the process.

“I've had all that these culprits arrested, and they'll be appearing in court and criminal legal action is being taken against them. Every Friday we shall release a report to indicate how many have been arrested, where and what action has been taken,” he said.

Despite the challenges, the ministry said the national examinations have been going on smoothly this year.

Learners last week concluded the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment, Kenya Junior School Education Assessment, Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment, with KJSEA marking the first transition to senior school under the new Competency-based education system.

"As part of the transition into Senior School in 2026, we will soon release the Guidelines for the Implementation of Senior School Education," Ogamba said. "This will ensure that schools are well prepared to receive the first CBE cohort progressing into Grade 10."

Meanwhile, the ministry is working with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, county government, and disaster-response agencies to ensure examination material is delivered securely and on time in affected areas.

“We have activated alternative transportation routes, established temporary collection and distribution points, and deployed helicopters to make sure examination materials get to the most adversely affected areas in a secure and timely manner,” Ogamba said. “We assure all Kenyans that no candidate will miss their examination due to weather disruptions. We shall ensure that the safety of learners and the integrity of the exam process are protected under all circumstances.” The KCSE examinations are currently ongoing across the country, as candidates sit for the Chemistry paper in the morning session and the English paper in the afternoon session.