The Ministry of Education has flagged 19 instances of misconduct in the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, including the use of phones and other unauthorized devices.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the cases, recorded as of November 6, 2025, have emerged in Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Eastern regions. He praised the majority of schools, including those in Machakos County, for maintaining proper examination standards.
“While the overwhelming majority of centres have maintained integrity, isolated cases of suspected malpractice have been formally recorded across Nyanza, Rift Valley, and listed regions as reported to me as of November 6, 2025,” Ogamba said.
The violations involve impersonation, early access to examination papers, use of prohibited materials, and electronic devices. Authorities have already arrested over 20 people in connection with the offenses.
“In every instance, decisive action has been taken, which includes the replacement of centre managers, supervisors, and invigilators, as well as the arrest and prosecution of over 22 individuals by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Confiscation of mobile phones and photocopied materials has also been carried out, with the deployment of National Police officers for direct oversight. Four more centres have received warning letters, requiring compliance reports by Monday, November 12,” Ogamba added.
The CS emphasized that the government is firm on a zero-tolerance policy for any form of examination malpractice or criminal activity linked to the exams.
“All reported breaches remain under active multi-agency investigation, and appropriate sanctions, including result cancellation and possible revocation of centre registration, will be enforced in accordance with the law,” he stated.
Ogamba also outlined measures to secure the movement of exam materials. Working with the Ministry of Interior and disaster management teams, the ministry has set up temporary collection points, deployed officers along key routes, and ensured papers reach their destinations on time, with extra precautions in flood-prone areas.
Addressing claims of increased boarding fees in public senior secondary schools, he clarified that the existing Kenya Gazette of 2015 guidelines are still in force. The capitation and fee structure remain unchanged, and no additional charges have been introduced.
