Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has taken decisive action against examination malpractice in the ongoing KCSE exams. Nine exam center managers have been suspended due to their alleged involvement in various malpractices, including the smuggling of unauthorized materials into exam rooms, use of phones at exam centers, impersonation, and collusion between candidates and exam invigilators.
Speaking at Kolanya Girls National School in Teso North, Busia County, during routine supervision of the exams, Machogu revealed that 46 candidates have also been implicated in exam malpractice. The cases include three instances of collusion, two cases of impersonation, and the suspension of nine center managers.
Machogu emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing and curbing cheating and malpractices in exams. He highlighted the effectiveness of the multiagency approach involving the ministries of Education, Interior, and ICT. This collaborative effort has enabled the implementation of measures to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
Despite the challenges posed by malpractices, Machogu assured the public that overall, the KCSE exams were progressing well. He attributed this success to new rules, such as increasing the number of containers and distribution centers, to prevent early exposure of exam papers.
The Cabinet Secretary’s swift response to malpractices underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring the credibility of the education system. Machogu’s actions send a strong message that any form of misconduct during exams will not be tolerated. The suspension of the center managers serves as a deterrent and reinforces the importance of maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
It is worth noting that the Education CS did not mince words when addressing the situation, providing transparent information about the number and nature of malpractices detected. This openness fosters accountability and builds public trust in the education system.
In light of the ongoing exams, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang had previously warned supervisors and invigilators against bringing phones into examination rooms. This precaution aimed to prevent the unauthorized sharing of exam papers on social media, reflecting the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for a fair examination process.
As the KCSE exams progress with over 900,000 candidates participating, the government’s efforts to combat malpractices are crucial for upholding the credibility and fairness of the education system in Kenya.