The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has raised alarm over the increasing use of Telegram to leak national examination papers.
The Council warned that the trend threatens the credibility of the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) assessment.
In its August 2025 monitoring report, KNEC flagged 18 active Telegram channels out of 51 identified for sharing alleged KCSE and Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB) papers.
Despite existing laws protecting the integrity of national exams, the council said the biggest challenge lies in the conduct of some education officers and administrators who are facilitating the leaks.
Investigations have revealed that some invigilators are involved in leaking exam materials, while university students with advanced digital skills have been identified as key players in manipulating exam systems for profit.
KNEC reported the 51 Telegram and WhatsApp channels to the Communications Authority of Kenya, with 19 still active.
So far, 36 cases are under investigation. Six teachers have been arrested this year and 117 last year, along with 10 students, over pre-exam irregularities.
KNEC Chief Executive Officer David Njengere said logistical preparations are complete, including a pilot for Junior School assessments in 265 schools.
To enhance exam security, the council will pilot digital smart padlocks in 250 storage containers this year and has rotated supervisors and invigilators to prevent familiarity with centres.
“KNEC is committed to safeguarding the integrity of national examinations,” Dr Njengere affirmed.
The KCSE exams began last week, with preparations ongoing for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), set for October 27–30.
This year, 3,424,836 learners are sitting national examinations, including 996,078 KCSE candidates, 1,130,669 KJSEA candidates, and 1,298,089 KPSEA candidates.
The examinations mark a critical milestone in Kenya’s education reforms following the phase-out of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 2023.
It is also the second-last KCSE before the full adoption of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
