Five people arrested while impersonating students during KCSE exams

Speaking on Wednesday morning during the official opening of the examination container at the office of Dagoretti Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba condemned the incidents, terming them a 'foolish act'.

He said the trend undermines the integrity of the national examination process and jeopardises students’ futures.

“It is regrettable that a few individuals have attempted to engage in examination malpractice despite repeated warnings,” said Ogamba.

“For instance, there are situations in Nairobi and other parts of the country where five or so people were arrested impersonating as students. When we’ve indicated very clearly that this year’s examination scripts are individualised in the sense that there is an actual photo of the student on the script.”

The CS warned that any individuals, teachers and officials found implicated in such schemes will face deregistration and criminal charges.

He  emphasised that the ministry would not 'allow anyone to sabotage the future of our children or the global reputation of our national certification system.' 

According to CS Ogamba, a multi-agency security team has been deployed nationwide to safeguard examination materials while ensuring accountability throughout the process. 

“I've had all that these culprits arrested, and they'll be appearing in court, and criminal legal action is being taken against them. Every Friday, we shall release a report to indicate how many have been arrested, where and what action has been taken,” he said.

Despite the challenges, the ministry noted that this year's national examinations have been progressing smoothly. 

Learners last week concluded the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment, Kenya Junior School Education Assessment, Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment, with KJSEA marking the first transition to senior school under the new Competency-based education (CBE) system.

“As part of the transition into Senior School in 2026, we will shortly release the Guidelines for the Implementation of Senior School Education,” Ogamba stated. “This will ensure that schools are well prepared to receive the first CBE cohort progressing into Grade 10.” 

Meanwhile, the ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, county government and disaster-response agencies to ensure the secure and timely delivery of examination material in the affected areas. 

“We have activated alternative transportation routes, established temporary collection and distribution points, and deployed helicopters to ensure the secure and timely delivery of examination materials in the most adversely affected areas,” Ogamba stated.

“We assure all Kenyans that no candidate will miss their examination due to weather disruptions. We will protect both the safety of learners and the integrity of the exam process under all circumstances.”

KCSE examinations are ongoing nationwide, with candidates sitting for the Chemistry paper in the morning session and the English paper in the afternoon session.