The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has apprehended 22 people suspected of engaging in various forms of malpractice during the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations across different parts of the country.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, while addressing journalists on Friday, November 7, confirmed that the arrests were made on Thursday following investigations into reported irregularities.
According to Ogamba, a total of 19 cases of exam cheating have been detected so far, mainly from the Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Eastern regions.
He explained that the malpractice incidents involved the use of unauthorized materials, misuse of electronic gadgets, impersonation of candidates, and early access to examination papers before the scheduled time.
“In each of these cases, firm action has been taken,” Ogamba stated. “This includes the replacement of centre managers, supervisors, and invigilators, as well as the arrest and prosecution of more than 22 individuals by the DCI.”
He further revealed that several mobile phones and photocopied exam papers have been confiscated from suspects, and the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has deployed officers to monitor examination centers more closely.
Ogamba mentioned that three schools have already received formal warning letters from KNEC, directing them to submit compliance reports by Monday, November 12, 2025.
The Cabinet Secretary assured the public that all the reported incidents are being thoroughly investigated by multiple government agencies, including law enforcement and examination bodies.
Ogamba also cautioned that any candidate found guilty of exam cheating risks having their results cancelled. Additionally, the examination centers involved may face deregistration, and all penalties outlined in the KNEC Act will be strictly enforced to protect the integrity of the national examinations.
Environmental Challenges During Exams
Ogamba further addressed environmental disruptions caused by heavy rains and flooding in some parts of the country, which have made it difficult to access certain schools. He explained that the Ministry of Education is working closely with the Ministry of Interior and the Disaster Response Team to ensure that all candidates can sit for their exams despite the harsh weather conditions.
He said the government has established temporary collection points in affected areas and is enhancing security escort routes. In some remote regions, helicopters are being deployed to deliver examination materials safely and on time.
“No candidate will be left behind because of environmental disruptions,” Ogamba assured. “We are mobilizing additional resources immediately to make sure the national examination calendar continues smoothly without interruption.”
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the government remains committed to maintaining fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for all candidates sitting for the KCSE exams this year, despite the challenges posed by exam malpractice and adverse weather conditions.
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