As the 2025 KCSE examinations wrapped up this morning, the Ministry of Education confirmed a drop in malpractice cases compared to last year, even as investigations intensify and tough sanctions are lined up for those involved.
Education CS Julius Ogamba on Friday said 418 candidates were reported for cheating this year, a decline from 614 cases recorded in 2024, and warned that every situation flagged during the exam period is now under review.
Speaking in Nyamira as he opened the KNEC examination container, he said the Ministry remains firm that the law will be applied in full once the inquiries are complete.
Ogamba said the four-week examination period, running from October 21 to November 21, proceeded without disruption, crediting teachers, centre managers, supervisors, invigilators and security officers who took charge of daily procedures from the early morning hours.
“This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to uphold the integrity, fairness, and credibility of our national examination system,” he said, noting the long hours and commitment shown by personnel across the country.
The 2025 national examinations season saw a record 3,424,836 candidates sit for their assessments.
The CS said the Ministry had ensured that all registered candidates, including those admitted in hospitals and willing to participate, were able to sit for the papers.
He also offered condolences to families of candidates who lost their lives during the exam period, saying the Ministry shares in their grief.
Going further, CS Ogamba confirmed that while most centres observed the rules, cases of cheating were still reported and are being processed by investigators in line with the KNEC Act of 2012.
He stated that penalties remain firm and include deregistration of centres, cancellation of results, disqualification of candidates, and criminal charges where necessary.
“Impersonation cases will attract severe sanctions, including barring candidates from sitting KCSE until 2027,” the CS said. He added that those found to have facilitated, encouraged, or attempted to aid cheating will also face consequences.
In addition, the CS said the Ministry is keen to ensure the integrity of all assessments, not only KCSE.
He noted that examination centres remain active as the November round of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) examinations is underway across the country.
A total of 15,266 candidates are sitting Business exams and 38,959 are sitting Technical exams in 752 TVET institutions. These tests began on November 17 and will run until December 5.
Ogamba assured all TVET candidates that fairness remains a priority and the same standards upheld during KCSE will apply throughout the process.
The Education boss said the Ministry values the vigilance shown by centre managers and security teams over the past month and will continue to follow every reported malpractice incident to conclusion.
“I wish to emphasize that all reported cases will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the KNEC Act, including cancellation of results, barring of candidates from future KNEC examinations and prosecution of all individuals found culpable of abetting examination malpractice,” he said.
Ogamba added that the Ministry will continue working to strengthen systems to secure examinations and ensure they reflect genuine effort and fairness for all candidates.
