KCSE Examinations Proceed Amid Rising Cases of Attempted Cheating

 

By Sheila Keter 

 The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations are ongoing smoothly across the country, with hundreds of thousands of candidates sitting for their papers under strict supervision. However, authorities have raised concerns over a surge in attempted cheating and the circulation of fake exam papers online.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) confirmed that it is closely monitoring suspicious groups on social media platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp, which have allegedly been sharing counterfeit exam materials and misleading students. KNEC reassured the public that all official examination papers remain secure under the council’s stringent handling procedures.

Speaking earlier today, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba condemned any form of exam malpractice, warning that the government will take strong action against offenders. “We will not tolerate any form of cheating in the KCSE examinations. Those caught engaging in this behavior will face the full force of the law,” he said. Ogamba urged school heads, invigilators, and candidates to uphold discipline and integrity throughout the examination period.

In a related development, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a university student suspected of selling fake KCSE papers online. Detectives revealed that the suspect was part of a larger network targeting desperate students ahead of the exams, with investigations ongoing to identify others involved.

KNEC has appealed to candidates to concentrate on their studies and avoid shortcuts that could jeopardize their future. The council emphasized that maintaining integrity in examinations is essential for upholding Kenya’s education standards.